
Class. 
Book 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



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BAND BOOK 



O F 



fashjngton and its Environs. 







MAPS, DIAGRAMS AND ILLUSTRATIONS. 

MPLETE DESCRIPTIVE AND HISTORICAL GUIDl 
TO THE CAPITAL OF THE UNITED 
STATES OF AMERICA. 



Prioe 75 Cents. 







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1877. 




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&MINOTON 




Keim's Illustrated Hand -Book. 



Washington and its Environs: 



DESCRIPTIVE AND HISTORICAL HAND-BOOK 



TO THF 



CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



BY DeB. RANDOLPH KEIM, 

Washington Correspondent , 

AUTHOR OK "8HERIDAN's TROOPERS ON THE BORDERS," AND "SKETCHES 
OF SAN DOMINGO." 



REVISED ANNUALLY. 

ELEVENTH EDITION— Corrected to ,, 

ft_J\fo. k i 

WASHINGTON CHJ:/v 18T9. c^ 



FOR THE COMPI>^E^ w ^ H \^ 
1877 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 18Y7 

BY r>EB. RANDOLPH KEIM. 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



NOTICE. — The compiler cautions all persons against infringement of copy- 
right of any of his publications, whether in maps, diagrams, illustrations, where 
originals, or in the material, or arrangement. Any such infringement will be rigor- 
ously prosecuted under the copyright law. 



B. r. OWEN, 

PRINTER, 

READING, PA. 



CONTENTS. 

[See Alphabetical Index at the end of the Hand-book.] 



Page. 

Preface v 

General Information vii 

Hotels, vii — Lodgings, vii — Boarding, viii — Restaurants, viii — 
Railroads, viii — Steamers, ix— Street Cars, ix — Vehicles for 
hire, xii — City Post Office, xii — Mails, xii — Rates of Postage, 
xiii — Telegraph Offices, xiii — Churches, xiii— Theatres, xiv — 
General Amusements, xiv — Etiquette, Ceremonies, and For- 
malities, xiv — Distances from Washington, xix — Foreign Dis- 
tances, xix— Differences of Time, xx. 

Section I. 
Washington and the District of Columbia 1 

Washington, 1 — District of Columbia, 5. 

Section II. 
Description of the City 15 

Avenues, Squares, Statues, &c. 

Section III. 
Public Buildings and Grounds 55 

Historical Retrospect, 55— Capitol, 56 — History of Congress, 
. 118 — President's House, 121 — Department of State, 128— Treas- 
ury Department, 131 — War Department, 136 — Navy Depart- 
ment, 140— Department of the Interior, 142— Patent Office, 
145— General Post Office, 151— Department of Justice, 154 — 
Department of Agriculture, 156— Naval Observatory, 103— 
Army Medical Musuem, 166 — Government Printing Office, 
168— Winder's Building, 170— City Hall, 171— Arsenal, 172— 
Navy- Yard, 174 — Marine Barracks, 176 — Magazines 177 

Section IV. 
Places of General Interest 178 

Smithsonian Institution, 178— Corcoran Gallery of Art, 189 — 
Washington National Monument, 192-Armory, 196-Churches, 
197— Halls, 198— Newspaper Offices, 199— Public Schools, 201— 
Asylums, 202 — Cemeteries, 205 — District Government, 207 — 
Markets, 209 — Places of Historical Interest, 210. 

(iii) 



IV CONTENTS. 

Section V. 
The Environs of Washington 211 

Section VI. 

History of Washington 234 

Index 244 



Abbreviations. 

NY, S., E., W., north, northern, northward, south, &c, 
east, &c, west., &c. ; m., mile ; sq. m., square mile ; lbs., 
pounds; r., right; 1., left; hr., hour; min., minute; yr., 
year; a., acres; av., avenue; St., street; yds., yards. 



PREFACE. 



The necessity of a reliable and complete Descriptive 
and Historical Hand-book to the Capital of the 
United States has long been felt. Warden's Geographical 
and Statistical Description of the District of Columbia, pub- 
lished in Paris in 1816, and the several editions of the Guides 
compiled by William Elliott, 1826 and 1830, and George Wat- 
terson, 1848, are really the only ones which possess the merit 
of original research. The productions of a similar character 
published since 1848, and especially the later ones, have been 
crude and imperfect, impositions in character and price, and 
noticeable only as containing the smallest amount of informa- 
tion for the largest amount of money. 

The compiler of the present work hopes to avoid these 
objections at least, and to give to the public a Hand-book 
of attractive and useful descriptive information about all 
places of interest in and around Washington, and at the 
same time to supply some appropriate historical data which 
may be valuable to carry away as a souvenir of a visit to the 
Seat of Government. 

In the preparation of the historical portions of the HAND- 
BOOK to Washington and its Environs, original author- 
ities only have been examined, including the manuscript rec- 
ords, correspondence, and proceedings of the Commissioners 
charged with the superintendence of the building of the city, 
1791-1800 ; the correspondence of George Washington, Thom- 
as Jefferson, and others on the same subject 5 the Statutes at 
Large ; official documents, from the establishment of the per- 
manent Seat of Government clown to the present time; besides 
the writings of travelers and public men and files of news- 
papers. 

Respecting the descriptive features, all points of interest 
in the city and surroundings, still in existence, have been 
personally visited and inspected. 

It is hoped, therefore, that the Hand-book will prove not 
only an invaluable companion on the spot, but an ever-wel- 
come and entertaining friend for future perusal and refer- 
ence at the home fireside. 

The compiler is under obligations to many of the officers 

(v) 



V1 PREFACE. 

of the Government ; and while desiring to recognize their 
kindness, finds it difiicult to make distinctions by individuals : 
he therefore thanks them all. 

The general information has been compiled with special 
reference to the necessities of the stranger in the city, and, 
in connection with other useful matter, will be found to con- 
tain trustworthy intelligence respecting railways, hotels, 
churches, theatres, &c. The code of Etiquette in Washing- 
ton and Street-car Directory will be found particularly con- 
venient and valuable. 

The remaining features of the Hand-book will appear as 
the reader familiarizes himself with its contents. 

In a city like the capital of such a constantly expanding 
Republic as the United States of America there are never- 
ending changes. To keep pace with these, it is the intention 
to annually revise and augment the Hand-book to Wash- 
ington and its Environs, so as to keep it at all times cor- 
rected to the latest period. 

The compiler does not presume that the Hand-book is 
faultless ; but to approximate such a degree of completeness, 
as far as practicable, will constantly be his endeavor. He 
will therefore be grateful for any errors or omissions pointed 
out or corrections suggested. These may be communicated 
by letter. 

DeB. R. K. 

Washington, D. C, 1874. 



GENERAL INFORMATION 




(HOSE who are influenced by a desire to visit the 
National Capital, when most attractive in point 
of beauty of nature and art, and without reference 
to the fashionable and congressional season, should 
arrive in May or June, or October or November. 
The hottest months are July and August. The 
winters, on the other hand, are generally mild and beautiful. 
The health of the city at all seasons is unexceptionable. For 
official and social seasons see Etiquette. 

Hotels. — The National Capital has a number of hotels, 
some of which will compare favorably with the best in the 
country. They are all located upon or conveniently acces- 
sible to the different lines of street cars connecting the Ex- 
ecutive Departments with the Capitol and western and east- 
ern portions of the city. The following are the principal 
hotels and charges per day : The Arlington, Vermont av., 
near H st. N., $5; Ebbitt, F st., corner of 14th st. W., $4 00; 
Willards\ Pennsylvania av., corner of 14th st. W., $4 50; 
Metropolitan, Pennsylvania av., between Gth and 7th sts. W., 
$4; Imperial, E st. N., between 13th and 14th sts. W., $4; 
and National, Pennsylvania av., corner of 6th st. W., $4. 
The hotels on the European plan are the St. James, Penn- 
sylvania av., corner of Gth st. W., single rooms, one person, 
$1 to $2 ; double rooms, two persons, $2 to $G ; the latter in- 
cludes parlor and bed-room; restaurant attached; and St. 
Marc, Penns3dvania av., near 7th st. W., single rooms $1 to 
$2, double $2 to $3; restaurant attached. There are also 
other hotels on the American and European plans suited to 
all classes of persons, and at lower rates. 

Lodgings. — Persons desiring to pass some time in Wash- 
ington, and desirous of living retired, can find excellent lodg- 
ings in the vicinity of all the hotels, and in different parts of 
the city. The large transient population of the city has cre- 
ated an unusual demand for this style of accommodations, 
and every grade, from elegant suites down to unpretending 
single apartments, may be found. The rates for rooms 

(vii) 



Vlll GENERAL INFORMATION. 

would range from $25 for single rooms to $100 and upwards 
a month for suites. Persons remaining less than a month 
can also be supplied with quarters. 

Boarding, — Many houses in which lodgings can be secured 
also provide daily board, ranging from $25 to $35 a month for 
each person. The hotels also accommodate outside boarders 
at $45 a month for each person. 

Eestaurants.— A number of excellent restaurants can be 
found in all the business portions of the city. Frequently 
persons find it more convenient to have lodgings and take 
their meals nearest where they may happen to be at the 
hour of dining. The charges at restaurants are about the 
same as at hotels or boarding-houses, according to grade. 
There are several excellent restaurants equal in appoint- 
ments to any in the large cities of the North. Cuisine 
excellent. 

Eailroads. — (See Table of Distances.) — Persons departing 
from Washington have a choice of several routes. 

North, East, and West.— Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad — Depot NE. corner of New Jersey av. and C st. 
NW., may be reached by the blue cars on Pennsylvania av. 
and the F-st. cars. Ticket Offices, 485 Pennsylvania av. and 
the Depot. 

North, East, and West.— Baltimore and Potomac 
Railroad — Depot SW. corner of B and 6th sts. NW., may 
be reached by street cars on 9th St., and within one square 
on Pennsylvania av. Ticket Offices, 13th and 6th sts. and 
Pennsylvania av. and Depot. 

South and Southwest. — Southern trains leave from 
the Baltimore and Potomac Depot. Travellers may also 
leave Washington by the Potomac Ferry Company, at 
the foot of 7th st. W.", and take trains at the corner of King 
and Union sts., Alexandria, for Richmond and New Orleans. 
Transfer coaches convey passengers from the Baltimore and 
Ohio Depot to the Baltimore and Potomac Depot and Poto- 
mac Ferry. 

Alexandria. — Local trains on the Alexandria and Wash- 
ington Railroad leave from the Baltimore and Potomac 
Depot about every hour during the day. 

Sleeping Cars are attached to all through night trains. 
Tickets may be procured at railroad ticket offices. 

Baggage will be called for and checked to all the princi- 
pal cities of the United States, by leaving orders at th« rail- 
road ticket offices. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. IX 

Steamers.— Alexandria — The Washington and Al- 
exandria Ferry steamers ply hourly each way between 
Washington and Alexandria during the day. Wharf foot of 
7th St., Washington, and King st., Alexandria. Fare, single 
trip 15 cents, round trip 25 cents. 

Mount Vernon. — The steamer for Mount Vernon leaves 
the 7th-st. wharf daily, except Sunday, at 10 A. M. Return- 
ing, arrives at Washington at 4 p.m. Fare, $1.50, and ad- 
mission to mansion and grounds. 

Quantico. — Potomac Steamboat Company— Steam- 
ers leave daily, at 7 A. M., from the 7th-st. wharf, for Quan- 
tico, connecting with trains for Richmond and the South. 

Potomac Landings. — The Palisades, on Mondays and 
Thursdays, 7 A. M., and Pilot Boy, on Tuesdays and Fridays, 
7 A. M., during navigation, from 7th-st. wharf. 

Baltimore and Intermediate Landings. — Three 
steamers a week, during the season of navigation, leaving 
Mondays, 7 P. M., Tuesdays, 9 P. M.. and Fridays, 12 mid- 
night, from the 7th-st. wharf. 

New York. — The Washington and New York steam- 
ers leave Fridays, from the foot of High st., Georgetown. 

Philadelphia. — Steamers leave Georgetown (Water st.) 
on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10 A. M., via canal, till navi- 
gation closes. 

Boston and Norfolk. — Steamers of the Washington, 
Norfolk, and Boston Line leave the 7th-st. wharf Mon- 
days and Thursdays, at 2 P. m., touching at all principal 
landings, and connecting with the Richmond and Boston 
steamers. This line usually suspends during the winter 
months. 

The wharves of all the Washington lines may be reached 
by the 7th-st. horse-cars. 

Street Oars. — All parts of Washington may be reached by 
street-cars. 

Washington and Georgetown Street Railway, incor- 
porated 1S62, cars every 3, 4, and 5 rain, during the da} r , start 
on Bridge st., at High, Georgetown, cross Rock Creek over 
a tine iron bridge, follow Pennsjdvania av., passing Mills' 
Statue of Washington, Corcoran Art Gallery, Lafayette 
Square, War Department, President's House, and Treasury. 
At the intersection of 15th st. W. they connect with the cars 
on the 14th Street and Columbia Railways. Exchange tick- 
ets given for the former. At the S. end of the Treasury 
they again enter Pennsylvania av., which they follow the 
entire length of the business quarter of the city, passing the 
Centre Market and Botanical Garden. At 9th st. W/they 



X GENERAL INFORMATION. 

intercept the Metropolitan line JU.-. and S. ; and at 7th st. W. 
connect with the cars of the 7th st. branch N. and S. On 
the latter exchange tickets are given. At the W. gate of the 
Capitol grounds one branch turns to the 1. for the Baltimore 
and Ohio Railroad Depot every 10 mill, during the day, and 
the other to the r. for the Capitol or Navy Yard, every 5 min . 
during the clay. At the top of the hill a branch carries pas- 
sengers to the E. front of the House, or S. extension of the 
Capitol. The main line continues along B st. S. to Pennsyl- 
vania aw, and thence to 8th st. E., thence passing the Marine 
Barracks to the Navy Yard. 

Fourteenth-Street Branch, cars every 10 min. dur- 
ing the day, start on New York av. at loth st. W., NE. of 
the Treasury Department, thence to 14th st., thence N. to 
boundary, passing the Fourteenth-Street Circle and State 
Department. Exchange tickets are given on the Pennsyl- 
vania av. line. 

Seventh-Street Branch, cars every 4 and 5 min. dur- 
ing the day, start at the boundary, follow the same street 
across the city to the Potomac river, passing the 1ST. Market, 
Mount Vernon Place, Patent and Post Offices, and Odd- 
Fellows' Hall. At Massachusetts av. they intersect the Co- 
lumbia Railway, and at F st. N. the Metropolitan line. On 
Pennsylvania av. they connect with the main line. Ex- 
change tickets given E. or W. The cars now pass the Cen- 
tre Market, cross the Mall, with the Smithsonion grounds on 
r., continuing to the wharves for the Alexandria, Mount 
Vernon, and other steamers. 

Metropolitan Railway, incorporated 1864, cars every 
4 min. during the day, start on 17th st., W. of the Navy 
and New State Departments, follow 17th st. W., passing the 
State, War, and Navy Departments, and Corcoran Art Gal- 
lery to H st. ; here the Georgetown branch leaves ; thence 
passing Lafayette Square to 14th st. ; thence to F st., inter- 
secting the 14th st. and Columbia Railways at New York 
av. ; connecting with the cars on the 9th st. branch N. and 
S., on which exchange tickets are given, passing the Patent 
and Post Offices, and intersecting the 7th st. line ; thence to 
5th st. ; thence to Louisiana av., passing Judiciary Square ; 
thence to Indiana av., passing the City Hall; thence to C 
St., passing the Baltimore and Ohio depot to Delaware av. ; 
thence to"B st. N., where the E. Capitol branch leaves; 
thence to the Senate extension. 

Georgetown and East Capitol Street Branch, cars 
every 6 min. during the day. Same as the main line going 
W. Cars leave that at H and 17th sts. NW. ; thence to Con- 
necticut av. ; thence to P st. at the Circle, intersecting the 



GENERAL INFORMATION. XI 

Connecticut av. and Park Railway ; thence along P st., cross- 
ing Rock Creek over a fine bridge, entering West st., George- 
town ; thence to High ; thence to Fayette, where it passes the 
Convent of the Visitation ; thence to 2d ; thence to High ; 
thence to Dumbarton ; thence to Montgomery ; thence to 
West, where the return track follows the outward, back to 
Washington. The East Capitol extension continues on B st. 
N". to 1st E. ; thence to East Capitol St., and thence to Lin- 
coln Square, the present terminus. It will be extended E. 
on the same street to the Anacostia. 

Ninth Street Branch, cars every 7 and 8 rnin. during 
the day, start at Boundary; thence, passing Mount Vernon 
Place, the Patent Office and Masonic and Lincoln Halls, toB 
st. At New York av. they intersect the Columbia Railway. 
At F st. exchange tickets are given E. and W. On B st. the 
cars pass the Centre Market, and intersect the 7th st. line. 
On 6th st. they pass the Baltimore and Potomac Depot to Mis- 
souri av. ; thence to 4| st. ; thence to the Arsenal gate. 

Silver Springs Branch, of Metropolitan road starts at 
the N. terminus of the 7th st. line, and follows the 7th st. 
road a distance of 1£ m , passing the Scheutzen Park and 
Howard University, and terminates at present at the road to 
the Soldiers' Home and Rock Creek Church. 

Columbia Railway, incorporated 1870, cars every 10 
min. during the day, start on New York av. at 15th st. W., 
NE. of the Treasury ; thence to H st. At 14th st. they cross 
the Metropolitan and 14th st. lines ; at 9th st. W. the Metro- 
politan, passing Mount Vernon Place, to Massachusetts av. 
At 7th st. they cross that line ; thence to II st. N. ; thence to 
the boundary, passing the Government Printing Office. At 
the terminus the Baltimore turnpike and Benning's Bridge 
road commence. 

Connecticut Avenue and Park Railway, incorpo- 
rated 1868. The Connecticut av. portion is used by the Me- 
tropolitan line to Georgetown. A car connects at the P st. 
Circle, and runs to boundary. 

Fares. — The rate of fare on the Washington and George- 
town line is 5 cents, to include a transfer or exchange ticket 
on the 14th and 7th st. branches N. and S. The fare on the 
Metropolitan line is 7 cents for single tickets, or ten for 50 
cents, or on the 9th-st. branch five for 25 cents. Transfers 
N. and S. are given on the 9th-st. branch. The fare on the 
Columbia line is 5 cts. 

Further extensions of existing lines, and the construction 
of new ones, are proposed, in some instances the roadway 
having already been laid. 



Xll GENERAL INFORMATION. 

Vehicles for hire.^Rates of fare established by law for 
hacks, cabs, or other vehicle for hire in the District of Co- 
lumbia. 

Bet. 5 a. m. and Bet. 12.30 a. m. 
12.30 a. m. and 5 a. m. 

For one or two passengers in a one- f Per h'r, 75 cts. Per hour, $1 12. 

horse vehicle. (_Pe r trip,75 cts. Per trip, $1 12. 

For one or two passengers, four- [Per hour, $1 50. Per hour, $2 25. 

seated vehicle drawn by two < Per trip, ex- Per trip, exceed* 

horses, within the city. ( ceed'glm.,$l. 1 m., |l 60. 

And for each additional passenger, 50 cts. 
One mile or less, one half these rates. 

For one or two passengers, four- Do „ u„,,„ <m Kfl r>„,. *,„.,„ ©o oc 
seated vehicle, drawl by two Per hour, $1 60. Per hour, $2 25. 

horses, from Washington to or P 1 e l n tn fe e f £ Ceed - ^JV^Yfn^' 
from Georgetown. * m -» $2 00 - ln S * m - $ 3 00 - 

And for each additional passenger, 50 cts. 

One mile or less, one half these rates. 

One-horse vehicle does not include buggies and phaetons. 

In all cases where a vehicle is not engaged by the hour, it 
will be considered as being engaged by the trip. 

Special rates are charged for excursions. 

If there should be an overcharge, drive to the nearest police 
station, where officers in charge will immediately decide the 
case. 

In every case require a ticket of the driver before starting. 

City Post Office.— General Post Office Building, entrance 
on F st. General Delivery, 6 a. m. to 11 p. m. Box 
Delivery, 7 a. m. to 8 p. m. Sunday, 8 to 10 a. m. and 6 
to 7 p. m. Letter Carriers' Window on r., open 7 to 
8 p. m. Stamp Office on r. Ladies' Window on the 1 

The Mails.— Eastern— for New York. Philadelphia, Bos- 
ton, &c, due 6.30 A. M., G P. M. ; close 7 A. M. 8 P. M. 

Western — due 6.05, 11.30 A. M., 2, 7 P. M. ; close 6 A. M., 
6.45 P. M. 

South — due 7.20 a. m., 5, 7.25 P. M. ; close 6 A. M., 5.30, 
9.20 p.m. 

Baltimore, Md. — due 6.05 a. m., 2, 6, 9 p. m. ; close 7, 10 
a. m., 12 m., 8 P.M. 

Georgetown — due 11.45 a. m., 4.45, 8, 10 p. m. ; close 8 

A.M., 2, 7 P.M. 

Alexandria — due 7.45 a. m., 7.20 p. m. ; close 6 a. m., 
5.30 p. m. 

Foreign Mails are forwarded daily to New York and 
San Francisco. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. X1U 

Kates of Postage. — Domestic. — Letters to any part of the 
United States, 3 cents for each £ ounce or fraction thereof. 
Letters within any city, 2 cents where free delivery ; other 
offices, 1 cent. Registered Letters, 8 cents registration fee, 
in addition to the regular postage. At least one full rate 
must be paid on letters to secure their transmission. Printed 
books, package limited to 4 lbs., except books printed by or- 
der of Congress, 2 cents for each 2 ounces or fraction thereof. 
Newspapers and magazines 1 cent 2 ounces. All transient 
matter must be prepaid in full by stamps. 

Foreign. — The frequent changes in routes and rates rend- 
ers it advisable to omit a table of "foreign postages. All ne- 
cessary information should be obtained at the Post Office. 

Money-Orders and Registered Letters. — The Mo- 
ney-Order and Registered-Letter Departments are open from 
8 A. M. to 4 P. M. No business is transacted in either of these 
departments on Sunday. 

Entrance to Money-Order and Registry Departments, from 
F st., door E. of delivery. 

Telegraph Offices. — Automatic. — Principal office, Saint 
Marc Hotel, Perm. av. 

Franklin. — Principal office, 609 Penn. av. 

Western Union. — Principal office, Penn. av. and 14th 
st.W. 

Branch Offices will be found in all the principal hotels, 
or near by, and in the Capitol. 

Churches. — The following list of places of religious worship 
is merely designed for the use of visitors in the city, and 
therefore embraces only the representative churches of each 
denomination. For convenience of reference, it is arranged 
alphabetically. The usual hour for service is 10.30 to 11 A. 
M. and 7 to 8 p. m., according to the season of the year. 

Baptist.— First, 13th st. W., bet. G and H. E-street, E 
St., bet. 6th and 7th W. Calvary, H and 8th sts. NW. Shi- 
loh, (Old School.) Mass. av., bet. 9th and 10th sts. W. 

Catholic, Roman. — St. Aloysius, I and 1ST. Capitol st. 
NW. St. Dominic's, 6th and F. sts. SW. St. Matthew's, H 
and loth st. PV. St. Patrick's, 10th and F sts., (rebuilding.) 
St. Stephen's, Penn. av. and 25th st. NW. 

Christian.— First, Vermont av., above N st. NW. 

Congregational. — First, 10th and G sts. NW. 

Fpiscopal, Protestant. — Ascension, Hst., bet. 9th and 
10th NW. Epiphany, G St., bet. 13th and 14th NW. Rock 
Creek, near Soldiers' Home. St. John's, 16th and II sts. 



XIV GENERAL INFORMATION. 

NW. St. Paul's, (Ritualistic.) 23d St., S. of Circle, W. 
Trinity, 3d and C sts. NW. 

Episcopal, Methodist. — Foundry, G and 14th sts. NW. 
Hamline, cor. 9th and P sts. NW. McKendree, Mass. av., 
near 9th st. NW. Metropolitan, 4£ and C sts. NW. Wesley 
Chapel, 5th and F sts. NW. 

Episcopal, Methodist South. — Mount Vernon, 9th 
and K sts. NW. 

Friends. — Orthodox, 13th, bet. R and S sts. NW. Hick- 
site, I St., bet. 18th and 19th NW. Meetings, 11 o'clock A. M. 

German Reformed. — First, 6th and N sts. NW. Ger- 
man service, a.m. ; English, p. M. 

Hebrew. — Washington Hebrew Congregation, 8th st., 
bet. II and I NW. Services every Friday 7 P. M., and Sab- 
bath (Saturday) 9 A. M. 

Lutheran — Trinity, (Unaltered Augsburg Confession,) 
E and 4th sts. NW. St. Paul's, H and' 11th sts NW. Me- 
morial, N and 14th sts. N. 

Methodist Protestant. — 9th st., bet. E and F NW. 

Presbyterian. — First, 4J st. NW., near the City Hall. 
Fourth, 9th, bet. G and H sts. NW. New-York Avenue, 
New- York av., bet. 13th and 14th NW. 

Unitarian. — D and 6th sts. NW. 

Universalist. — Masonic Hall, F and 9th sts. NW. 

Colored Churches. — Baptist, First, I and 19th sts. N W. 
Catholic, Roman, St. Martin's, loth st., near L NW. Epis- 
copal, St. Mary's, 23d st., bet. G and H NW. Methodist, 
Asbury, K and 11th sts. NW. Presbyterian, loth, bet. I and 
K sts. NW. 

Theatres. — The best places of amusement in the city are 
Ford's Opera Rouse, on 9th st. W., immediately S. of Penn- 
sylvania av., and the National Theatre, on E st. N., bet. 13th 
and 14th sts. NW. Here the standard comedies and trage- 
dies and plays of the day are performed by excellent stock 
companies during the winter season, varied at intervals by 
Italian, German,"or English opera, and the presence of the- 
atrical "stars." 

General Amusements, — Concerts and lectures take place 
almost every night, and will afford recreation for those who 
prefer this character of entertainment. 

Etiquette, Ceremonies, and Formalities, — The population 
of Washington is divided into two classes : official and unoffi- 
cial, and society admits of the same classification. The first 
includes those actively associated with the various branches 



GENERAL INFORMATION. XV 

and departments of the Government and retired officers of 
the Army and Navy and families. The second includes resi- 
dents in the capital not in official employment, and visitors. 

The Season. — The fashionable season commences with 
the New Year's receptions, and ends with the beginning of 
Lent. During - this period life at the capital is extremely gay. 
The congressional season begins on the first Monday in De T 
cember of each year, and, with a recess during the Christmas 
holidays, lasts till March 4 in the odd years and until June or 
July in the even years. During the months of July, August, 
and September, the prominent officials and residents leave the 
capital for places of summer resort. 

Exceptions. — The reception season begins on New Year's 
day and lasts till the beginning of Lent. The days for after- 
noon receptions are arranged among the ladies of the families 
of the President, Cabinet Ministers, and Governor of the Dis- 
trict. The announcements are made daily during the season 
in the newspapers. Hours, afternoon, 2 to 5 p. m. ; evening, 
8 to 11 p. m. Afternoon receptions are open to all. Evening 
receptions are by card, unless otherwise announced in the daily 
newspapers. 

Titles — The following are the forms of address used in 
conversation with certain officials, viz : Mr. President ; to 
members of the Cabinet, Mr. Secretary, Mr. Postmaster Gen- 
eral, Mr. Attorney General ; Mr. Chief Justice, Mr. Vice Presi- 
dent, Mr. Senator, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Justice, for associates of 

the Supreme Court, and Mr. , for Representatives. The 

latter frequently have titles, as Judge, &c. Official commu- 
nications should be addressed, "To the President, "To the 
Chief Justice," and all others "To the Honorable, the Sec- 
retary of State," &c, or "The Honorable D. W., Secretary of 
State;" and to members of Congress, Honorable, with the 
name. The form customary for ladies of officials, is Mrs. 

President ; Mrs. General ; Mrs. Secretary, &c. The 

following form of address for certain officers would be better 
than those now in vogue : For the Secretary of State, The 
Premier; other members of the Cabinet, Mr. Minister. 

Cards. — Whenever a visit is made or reception attended. 
a card, containing the name and residence in the city, should 
be sent in, or left with the usher, or in the receiver in the 
hall. Cards left at afternoon receptions are generally recog- 
nized by cards to evening receptions. Cards are generally 
issued to all evening receptions, except those of the President 
and Speaker of the House of Representatives, and sometimes 
the General of the Army. In private calls, if the person 
called upon be out, turn down the right upper corner of the 
card, to indicate that called in person ; if the call be upon 



XVI GENERAL INFORMATION. 

the family, under the same circumstances, turn down the 
right end. In making a farewell call, place P. P. C. on the 
lower edge of the card. 

A stranger, in calling upon officials, or at receptions, should, 
if his name be not announced by an usher or by card, men- 
tion it himself, so as to prevent embarrassment. 

Invitations. — In all cases, invitations to dinner should 
be promptly accepted or declined. It is not obligatory to 
respond to invitations to evening entertainments, unless re- 
quired in the letters i?. S. V. P., though it is proper to recog- 
nize them formally. Invitations to evening receptions do 
not require a reply. The general form of reply is : Mr. S — — 

presents his compliments to Secretary , and accepts with 

pleasure his invitation to dinner Thursday evening. Mon- 
day, Dec. — , 187 — . The form is the same, with adaptation, 
for evening entertainments. 

Calls. — The ladies of officials return calls. The President 
and wife are not required to return calls ; other members of 
the family can. The lower officials should always call first 
upon the higher; and ladies the same ; hours 2 to 5 p.m. 
Evening calls only allowed for social acquaintances. The 
first visit received should be returned in three days. Stran- 
gers, desiring to pay respects to any officials, can do so with 
propriety during office hours, sending in a card, marked "to 
pay respects," by the usher. 

Dress.— For visiting and at all afternoon receptions such 
dress for ladies and gentlemen as is recognized in good soci- 
ety for morning calls should be worn. At all evening recep- 
tions and dinner parties, full evening dress for ladies and 
gentlemen should be strictly observed ; consisting, for gen- 
tlemen, of black dress-coat and pantaloons, white neck-tie, 
and light gloves. 

The President. — Cabinet days, Tuesdays and Fridays, 
hours of meeting 12 m. Business hours : During the session 
of Congress, the President receives Senators and Represen- 
tatives from 10 a. m. to 12 m. every day, except Sunday, and 
the public, by card through the usher in the ante-room, from 
12 m. till 3 P. M., except on Cabinet days and Sundays. The 
number admitted during hours is governed entirely by the 
time the President can spare from his public duties. Persons 
desiring to pay their respects only, should note " to pay res- 
pects" on their cards, and call the attention of the officer in 
in the ante-room thereto. During the adjournment of Con- 
gress, the President, when mot absent from the Capital, usu- 
ally receives in the morning from 10 A. M. to 12 M. 

The President and family receive socially in the evening. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. XV11 

These visits, however, are only made by those warranted by 
their acquaintance to call upon them. 

Diplomatic representatives of foreign governments, upon 
their first arrival at the Capital, are presented in the Blue- 
Boom, at a time fixed by the Secretary of State, with the 
consent of the President. The ceremony of presentation 
consists of an address by the Minister, and a reply by the 
President. 

The President's levees are announced through the press. 
ISTo further invitation is necessary, and all strangers at the 
Capital are at liberty to call. The hours are usually from 8 
to 10 p.m. Music by the Marine Band. No dress is pre- 
scribed, though it is eminently proper to appear in the even- 
ing dress dictated by good society. Enter b}^ the N". door, 
where the ushers will direct to the cloak rooms. Then enter 
the Red, and pass into the Blue-Room, where the President 
receives. Announce name to the Marshal of the District, 
who presents to the President. The Engineer in charge of 
Public Buildings and Grounds -presents to the wife of the 
President. After paying respects, in order to make room 
for others, it is advisable to pass out at once into the Green 
and thence into the East-Room. 

The afternoon receptions at the President's House are al- 
ways held by the wife of the President, on such days as she 
may select. She is assisted by such ladies as she may invite, 
generally selected in alphabetical order from the wives of 
Senators and Members, who, by their official positions, are 
entitled to such consideration, and any friend. Hours, 2 to 
5 p. m. No invitations. Visitors in the city are at liberty 
to attend. The President, after office hours, often assists. 
Presentations are made in the Blue Room by the Engineer 
in charge of Public Buildings and Grounds. Approach as 
in levees, except that it is customary to leave a card at the 
door. Enter the Red Room. Dress the same as recognized 
by good society as suitable for morning calls. These recep- 
tions afford an excellent opportunity to strangers at the Cap- 
ital to view the suits of parlors, state dining room, and con- 
servatories. The latter are open to the public only on these 
occasions. After leaving the Blue Room, pass into the Green 
and East Rooms. The corridor which leads from the East 
Room extends to the conservatories on the W. end. The 
President, during the winter, gives state dinners, to which 
thirty-six invitations at a time are issued, and comprise Sen- 
ators and Representatives, selected alphabetically. Their 
wives are also included. The President also invites promi- 
nent officers of the Government in recognized order. 

On New Yearns day the President receives in the following 



XV111 GENERAL INFORMATION. 

order : Members of the Cabinet and Foreign Ministers ; 
judges of the Supreme Court of the United States; Senators 
and Representatives in Congress ; the Governor of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia and suite; judges of the courts of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia and of the United States Court of Claims ; 
officers of the army and navy ; Assistant Secretaries of depart- 
ments ; Solicitor General ; associations and the public. 

Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court. — La- 
dies receive on Monday. Return visits. First call must be 
made upon them. 

Speaker's receptions are announced in the newspapers. 

General of the Army. — Reception of lady, Mondays. 
Expect the first call. The General's receptions are by card, 
unless otherwise announced in the newspapers. 

Admiral of the Navy. — Same as for General of the 
Army, except evening receptions always by card. 

The Cabinet. — The ladies of Cabinet Ministers usually 
receive on Wednesdays, at which time visitors in the city are 
at liberty to call, leave cards with and give names to the usher 
at the door. Evening receptions by card are given by Cabi- 
net Ministers. The ladies of the Cabinet return visits. The 
first call must be made upon them. 

Senators and Representatives. — Ladies receive on 
Thursdays. Calls must be first made upon them. 

Governor of the District. — Afternoon receptions of 
ladies announced in the newspapers. Open to all. Evening 
by card. First call must be made. 

Diplomatic Corps. — Invitations are issued to all enter- 
tainments. Receive calls first. There are also diplomatic 
evenings for members of the corps and families, and such 
others as the lady personally invites. 

Residents.— The ladies of the families of residents at the 
capital not in official life, call first. Their days at home are 
generally marked on their cards. 

Social precedence.— 1 , The President; 2, the Chief 
Justice ; 3, the Vice President ; 4, the Speaker ; 5, the Gen- 
eral of the Army; 6, the Admiral of the Navy; 7, the Cabi- 
net, Secretary of State, Treasury, War, Navy, Postmaster 
General, Secretary of the Interior, and Attorney General ; 8,' 
Senators ; 9, Associate Justices ; 10, Representatives in Con- 
gress; and, 11, Governor of the District. 

Remarks. — General Jackson first introduced bad manners 
into the society of the President's House. The President, by 
virtue of his office, of a right occupies the highest social posi- 
tion in the land, and the observance of the formalities which 
are recognized in the surroundino's of any American gentle- 
man's home should be accorded to the home of the President. 



GENERAL INFORMATION. 



XIX 



Distances from Washington. 



Capitals of States or Territories are in capital letters. 



MILES. 

Albany, N. Y 374 

Albuquerque, N.M..2156 

Alexandria, Va 7 

Annapolis, Md -12 

Atlanta, Ga 721 

Augusta. Me 631 

Austin. Texas 1781 

Baltimore, Md 40 

Roise City, Idaho. ..26G7 

Boston, Mass 458 

Brownsville, Tex ..1946 

Buffalo. N.Y 44(5 

Cairo, Illinois 977 

Carson City, Nev...2950 

Charleston, S. C 587 

Cheyenne. Wv. T....1850 

Chicago, 111." 842 

Cincinnati, Ohio.... (511 

Columbia, S. C 519 

Columbus, Ohio 535 

Concord, N. H 503 

Deer LorjGE.Mon.T.2700 

Denver, Col. T 1950 

Desmoinks. Iowa 11(52 

Detroit, Mich 692 

Dover. Del 159 

Duluth, Minn 1437 

Erie, Pa 466 

Fort Abererombie.1507 
Fort Benton, M.T..3130 
FortBerthold, D.T.2186 
Fort Bliss. Tex .,-.. 2523 
Fort Boise, Idaho.,2669 



MILES. 

Fort Bridger, Wy.T.2349 
Fort Dodge, Kan. ..1586 

Fort Fetterman 1984 

Fort Gibson,Ch.Na.l387 

Fort Hays, Kan 1525 

Fort Klamath, Ore.3320 
Fort Laramie, W.T.1906 
Fort Leavenworth. .1203 
Fort Randall, D. T.1535 
Fort Smith, Ark. ...1307 
Fort Wayne, Ind... 694 

Fort Yuma, Cal 3881 

Frankfort, Ky 731 

Galveston, Texas. ..1556 

Harrisburg, Pa 125 

Hartford, Conn 342 

Indianapolis, Ind .. 715 

Jackson, Miss 1082 

Jefferson City, Mo.1077 
Kansas City, Mo. ...1234 

Lansing, Mich 742 

Leavenworth, Kan. 1260 
Little Rock, Ark. ..1115 

Louisville, Ky 720 

Madison, Wis. ........ 974 

Memphis, Tenn 934 

MlLLEDGEVILLE, Ga.. 698 

Milwaukee, Wis 927 

Mobile, Ala 1082 

Montgomery, Ala ... 896 

Montpelier, Vt 556 

Nashville, Tenn.... 775 
New Haven, Conn.. 307 



miles. 
New Orleans, La.. ..1250 

New York, N. Y 229 

Norfolk, Va 233 

Olympia, Wash. T...3982 

Omxha, Neb 1298 

Pensacbla, Fla 1050 

Philadelphia, Pa.... 139 

Pittsburg, Pa 374 

Portland, Ore 3952 

Providenck, R. 1 419 

Raleigh, N. C 313 

Richmond, Va 130 

Sacramento, Cal 3072 

Saint Louis, Mo 952 

Saint Paul, Minn.. 1285 

S\lem, Ore 3S34 

Salt Lake City U.T.2464 
San Francisco,Cal.3155 
San Juan Is., W. T.4047 
Santa Fe, N. Mex...2093 

Savannah. Ga 691 

Tahlequah, Ind. T..1300 

Sitka, Alaska.., 4535 

Springfield, 111 928 

Tallahassee, Fla 953 

Topeka, Kan 1302 

Trenton, N.J 170 

Tucson, Ar. T 2628 

Vancouver, W. T...3970 
Virginia Citv, M.T.2687 
Wheeling, W. Va.... 401 
Wilmington, Del... Ill 
Yankton, D. T 1449 



Foreign Distances, air-Line, from Washington, to 



miles. 

Belize 1410 

Berlin 3840 

Buenos Ayres 4870 

Calcutta 8580 

Callao 3168 

Caracas 1830 

Cape Good Hope. ...7380 

Cape Horn. 6450 

Chuquisaca 3670 

Constantinople 4870 

Georgetown, Br. G.2230 
Havana 1250 



MILES. 

Honolulu 4(550 

Jerusalem 5490 

Lima 3180 

Lisbon 3180 

London 3300 

Mexico 1680 

Nicaragua 1740 

Panama 1S40 

Paris 3480 

Pekin 7680 

Rio de Janeiro 4300 



MILES. 

Rome.. 4080 

San Domingo 1300 

San Juan 1380 

San Salvador 1650 

Santiago, Chili 4700 

Spanishtown, Jam..l290 

St. Petersburg 4290 

Sydney, Aus 9150 

Tehauntepec 1620 

Vera Cruz 1560 

Vienna 4110 



xx general information. 

Differences of Time. 

Table showing the mean time at 39 plaxes in the United States 
and Foreign Countries, uhen it is mean noon at Washington, 
D. C, United States of America. 

* Signifies forenoon and f afternoon. Time computed from the ob- 
servatories of all places marked (o.) 



Albany, N.Y (o) f 

Alexandria, Egypt. f 

Astoria, Oregon * 

Augusta, Maine f 

Baltimore, Md. ...... f 

Berlin, Prussia (o) f 

Boston, Mass f 

Cambridge, Mass... (o) f 

Canton, China * 

Charleston, S. C * 

Chicago, III * 

Cincinnati, Ohio.... * 
Detroit, Michigan.. * 
Greenwich, Eng.... (o) f 

Honolulu, S. I * 

Jeddo, Japan * 

Leavenworth, Kan. * 

Lima, Peru * 

Liverpool, Eng (oj f 

London, Eng (o) f 



/(. 


m. 


s. 





13 


13 


7 


7 


44 


8 


52 


57 





2S 


52 





1 


45 


6 


1 


46 





23 


58 





23 


42 





41 


18 


11 


48 


30 


11 


17 


41 


11 


30 


13 


11 


36 


2 


5 


8 


11 


6 


36 


44 


2 


28 


12 


10 


49 


16 


11 


59 


41 


4 


56 


11 


5 


2 


12 



h. 

Louisville, Ky f H 

Melbourne, Aus'lia * 2 

Memphis, Tenn * II 

Mexico, Mex * 10 

Milwaukee, Wis * 11 

Mobile, Alabama... * 11 

Montreal, C.E f 

Moscow, Russia (o) f 7 

New Orleans, La.... * 11 

New York, N. Y f 

Panama, C. A * 11 

Paris, France (o) + 5 

Philadelphia, Pa.... (o) f 

Rome, Italy (o) f 5 

Salt Lake, Utah * 9 

San Francisco, Cal. * 8 

St. Louis, Mo * 11 

Vienna, Austria (o) f 6 

Washington, D. C... (o) 



m. 


s. 


26 


12 


48 


5 


7 


40 


31 


50 


16 


35 


16 


6 


14 





38 


28 


8 


12 


12 


12 


50 


15 


17 


33 


7 


34 


58 


6 


39 


48 


58 


25 


7 


11 


13 


44 









SECTION T. 
WASHINGTON AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 



WASHINGTON. 




I HE Seat of Government of the United States 
of America has been appropriately called "the 
Virgin Capital." A territory under the exclusive 
jurisdiction of Congress had early received the atten- 
tion of the legislators of the new Kepublic; indeed, 
before the clamor of war had fairly ceased, or the 
royal standard of England had left it's shores. The posses- 
sion of such a territory was an important feature in the de- 
bates upon the framing of the Constitution ; and it was pre- 
cisely forty-eight days after the last act of ratification, that 
the Federal City of the American Republic was by solemn en- 
actment of the young Congress of the Thirteen Free and Inde- 
pendent States located on the beautiful eastern shore of the 
broad Potomac. It might be added, that not only is Washing- 
ton the only virgin capital in the world, but its foundation was 
simultaneous with the inauguration of the permanent form of 
government of the nation. Of being synchronous it lacked less 
than two years. The idea and the execution were essentially 
American . It was founded as the Capital of the Republic. It 
sprang out of the virgin soil, and its growth and magnificence 
were to be measured by the progress and taste of the people 
who constituted the Government of which it was to be the 
political head and centre and the permanent residence. 

Among the capitals of the great nations of modern times, 
in this particular Washington stands alone. St. Petersburg, 
now the seat of the imperial residence of the Autocrat of all 
the Russias, rose out of the morasses of the Neva at the will 
of the great Peter. It was long what its founder called it, a 
look-out upon Europe, before the ancient capital of the Czars, 
in the fertile Moskva, left the sheltering walls of the Krem- 
lin for the banks of the Neva. Versailles, the queen of royal 
residences, sprang from a favorite hunting lodge of Louis 
XIII. A monarch like his successor was alone capable of an 



---, 



Z GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. 

exhibition of extravagance such as this. The genius of Le 
Bruil and Le Notre, and the expenditure of two hundred 
millions of dollars, did not make Versailles a capital. Its 
name and its associations are synonymous with the reckless- 
ness of a luxurious and dissolute court. Rome, the city of 
over twenty-six centuries, w T as government and capital , when 
Romulus, with his handful of Latins on the western slope of 
the Palatine ; Tatius, with his Sabiues on the Capitoline and 
the Quirinal ; and the Etruscans on the Cselian and Esquiline, 
gathered around the forum, and laid the foundation of that 
career of greatness and power, which justty earned the proud 
title of Mistress of the World. But republican Rome rose 
on the ruins of the earlier kingdom of the Tarquins. Impe- 
rial Rome superseded the colossal fabric of the Republic of 
the Consuls, the Tribunes, and the Triumvirs. Pontifical 
Rome reared herself upon the crumbled throne of the Impe- 
rial Caesars. The Rome of to-day, the capital of United 
Italy, therefore, may well be said to be the mother, while 
Washington is the maiden, of capitals. 

Geographical Location. — Washington the Federal, or Capi- 
tal City of the United States of America, is situated on the 
left or eastern bank of the Potomac River, between the 
Anacostia, or Eastern Branch of the Potomac, and Rock 
Creek, 106| m. (statute) above the mouth of the Potomac 
River, by ship channel, from abreast the red buow oft' Point 
Lookout to Arsenal or Geenleaf 's Point, and 1S5| m. from 
the buoy 1£ m. NE. of Cape Henry light, mouth of Chesa- 
peake Bay." The distance by air line to the mouth of the 
Potomac River is 69 m., and to the mouth of the Chesapeake 
Bay 143 m. The distance from the Capitol by air line to 
the sea-coast, just below Cape Henlopen, the nearest point, 
is 105 m. ; and to the Chesapeake Bay, available for vessels 
of war, Patuxent River, 53 m. ; Annapolis 38 J m., and 
Herring Bay 39 m. 

The latitude of Washington (capitol) is 38° 52' 20" north, long- 
itude 76° 55 / 30" .54 west of Greenwich, and 79° 15' 41" .69 
west of Paris, both ascertained in 1821, under authority of 
Congress, by William Lambert of Virginia. 

The site of the city and the location of the public reservations, squares, Cap- 
itol and President's House, were selected by President Washington. The only 
direct reference to the location of the public buildings within the limits of the 
territory then accepted, was contained in a provisp in the amendatory act of 
Congress, approved March 30, 1791, requiring their erection on the Maryland 
side of the Potomac. When the city was located, the northern limit of the 
United States was lat. 46 N. and the southern 3 c N., placing Washington but 
23 min. or geographical miles south of the centre along the Atlantic Coast. 
The centre is now in the vicinity of Newberne, North Carolina, or 233 miles S. 
Another important consideration in those primitive days was the fact, that on 



4 AREA. 

no part of the coast, within the bounds of the country, was there accessible to 
sea-going vessels a port situated so far inland. 

The distances from the National Capitol to the remote points within the vast 
domain now under the jurisdiction of the republic, indicate the wonderful ex- 
tension of area attained by conquest and purchase during the first century of 
growth, viz To the north-eastern boundary on New Brunswick, 750 miles ; 
Rouse's Point, northern boundary, 598 miles ; Cape Flattery, the extreme 
north-western boundary, on the Pacific Ocean, 4102 miles , Sitka, the capital 
of the Alaskan Possessions, 4535 miles ; to San Francisco, western boundary, 
on the Pacific Ocean, 3155 miles ; Key West, Florida, 1494 miles ; Brownsville, 
Texas, the Mexican frontier, 1946 miles. [For table of distances from Wash- 
ington to the principal cities of the United States and the world, see General 
information.] 

Area. — The plot of the city lies on the W. side of the 
tract, 64 sq. m., within the present borders of the District of 
Columbia, and is 14 m. in circumference. It covers 6,111 a., 
or a little over 9^ sq. m. The avenues, streets, and spaces 
comprise 2,554 a. ; the Government reservations, as origi- 
nally laid out, 541 a., and squares 3,016 a. The greatest 
length is from W. to S. of E. ; or from Bock Creek, between 
I and K sts. W., to the bank of the Anacostia, at 24th st. E., 
on B st. S., 4.57 m. The earlier plot is extended to 31st 
st. E. ; but the 7 additional streets and squares are subject 
to tidal inundation, and are generally excluded from the 
later maps. The greatest breadth of the city is W. of 1ST., 
from Greenleaf Point, at the foot of the Arsenal Grounds, to 
Boundary, at 11 St. W., 3.78 m. The mean width from E. 
to W. is over 4 m., and length 2\ m. The city lies 4 m. 
along the Potomac and about 3\ m. along the Anacostia. 

The following is a coffipaj-isoti of the geographical location, area and popula- 
tion of Washington with the leading capitals of Europe : Washington. — La*. 
38° 52' 20" N. On Potomac Ttiver, 106% m. from its mouth. Area 9^ sq. m , 
and 14 m. in circuit. Population, 1870, 109,199. London. — Lat. (Str-Paul's), 
51 30 48" N. On Thames River, 50 m. from its mouth, Area of old city 1 
sq. m. With city and liberty of Westminster and 5 boroughs, 3I1313 sq. m. 
Population, 1870, 3,215,000. Paris. — Lat. 48° 50' 12" N. On the 'Seine River, 
no m from its mouth. Area 14 sq.m. Population, 1871, 1,950,000. Berlin. 
— Lat. 52 30' 16" N. On Spree River. Area 6^00 a., and 10 m. in circuit. 
Population, 820,000. St. Petersburg. — Lat. 59 36' N. On the Neva River, 
near its mouth. Area 6 m. in length and 5 in width. Population. 667,000. 
Vienna. — Lat. 48 12' N.~ On the Wein River, near the Danube. Circuit 15 
in. Population, 1872, 640,000. Rome.— Lat 41 54' 06" N. On the Tiber 
River, 17 m. from its mouth. Circuit 12 m. Population, 1872, 247,497. 

Government. — The municipal form of 1801, with amend- 
ments at various times, continued for nearly three-quarters 
of a century. In 1871 it was superseded by the territorial 
form, which was abolished by Act of Congress, June 20, 
1874, and a government of three commissioners substituted. 
(See Government, District of Columbia.) 

Finances.— [See District of Columbia.) 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 5 

Population.— The population of the city, by decades, since 
its foundation, was 1800, 3,210 ; 1810, 8,208 ; 1820, 13,247 ; 
1830, 18,826; 1840, 23,364; 1850, 40,001; 1860, 61,122; 1870, 
109,199. In 1870, white, 73,731 ; colored, 35,455 ; Indian, 13. 
Born in the District of Columbia, 42,694 ; in other States, 
52,748 ; in foreign countries, 13,757, viz : Ireland, 6,948 ; 
Germany, 4,133 ; England, 1,235 ; Scotland, 299 ; British 
America, 239 ; Italy, 175 ; Switzerland, 146 ; all other foreign 
countries, 582. 

Miscellaneous Statistics.— Size, 12 in population ; families. 
21,343; persons to a family, 5.12; dwellings, No., 19,545; 
persons to each, 5.59. Persons in each class of occupations, 
41,188 : agriculture, 284; personal and professional services. 
26,109 : male, 15,596 ; female, 10,513 ; trade and transport- 
ation, 5,296; manufactures, mechanical, and mining in dus- 
•ries, 9,499. 



DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



The Federal Territory, or District of Columbia, is situ- 
ated on the left or E. bank of the Potomac River, at the 
confluence of the Anacostia or Eastern Branch of that 
stream. 

Boundaries. —The District of Columbia comprises 64 
square miles. It lies entirety within the State of Maryland, 
and is bounded on the north by Montgomery county, on 
the east and south by Prince George county, and west by 
the Potomac River. 

The Federal territory as originally located by President Washington, under 
authority of the Constitution of the United States, and national and state legis- 
lation, formed a square of 10 miles (ioo sq. m.). The bounds were proclaimed 
'by the President March 30, 1791. On Friday, April 15, of the same year, at 
3 P. M., the municipal authorities of Alexandria, Virginia, repaired to the 
house in which the commissioners of Washington were residing, and after uni- 
ting with them in a glass of wine, to the sentiment 4t May the stone which we 
are about to place in the ground remain an immovable monument of the wis- 
dom and unanimity of North America," the company proceeded to Jones' 
Point, or the upper cape, which projects into the Potomac River on the Vir- 
ginia side or right bank, at the confluence of Hunting Creek, then 1 mile E. of 
S. of the Court House of Alexandria, in the following order: Town Sergeant; 
Daniel Carroll, Commissioner, and the Mayor of Alexandria ; Andrew Ellicott, 
Surveyor and the Recorder ; the Aldermen and Common Council, not Free 
Masons; strangers, Master of Lodge No. 22, F. A. M. of Alexandria, with 
David Stewart, Commissioner, on his right, and James Muir, Pastor of that 
Episcopal parish on his left, followed by the rest of the fraternity and citizens. 



6 GOVERNMENT. 

Ellicott, " Geographer General," then ascertained the precise location on 
Jones' Point, as defined by the President's proclamation, whereupon the Mas- 
ter of the Lodge and Dr. Stewart, aided by the craft, planted^ the initial or 
corner-stone of the Federal Territory, in accordance with the impressive rites 
of Masonry. The Rev. James Muir delivered an address. After partaking of 
refreshments, the procession returned to the city, and closed the ceremonies of 
the day with a banquet and appropriate toasts and speeches. From this initial 
stone Mr. Ellicott, during the ensuing year, laid down the lines ol boundary as 
directed by the President's proclamation. The first at an angle of 45 W. of 
N., a distance of 10 m , into the State of Virginia ; the second also starling at 
the initial point, at a right angle with the first, or N. E., across the Potomac, 
10 m., into the State of Maryland, and the remaining two lines from the ter- 
mini of the first two and at right angles with them, respectively, N. E. and 
N. W., until they met eaeh other in a point. The original Territory, it will be 
3een, stood diagonally, each angle facing one of the cardinal points of the com- 
pass. The TV. point ^ as originally laid out, is % m. due W. of Silver Spring, 
Md. ; the E. point 2% m. S. of E. of Benmng's Bridge, on the Anacostia ; the 
.S". or initial point at the N. cape of Hunting Creek, called Jones' Point ; and 
the W. point near the source of Four-mile Run, in Virginia. The centre of the 
original Ter7'ito7y is marked by a gray free-stone, about 100 yds. W. of the 
Washington Monument, and on a line almost due S. from the President's 
House, at a distance of about % m. 

The lines were marked by square mile stones, with. appropriate inscriptions 
on the side facing the territory, "Jurisdiction of the United States ;" 
facing the State, " Virginia," or " Maryland," according to location; facing 
the North 6k 1792," the year in which planted ; and facing the South, the po- 
sition of the Magnetic Needle. Many of these stones are doubtless still standing, 
but lost sight of amid the accumulations of decayed vegetation. It has been 
wisely suggested that the Government should define the lines of the Federal 
Territory of this now mighty Republic by tablets, columns and other marks,, 
worthy and commemorative of its greatness. Shortly after the District was laid 
out this was seriously considered. It was proposed to build a great Fort at 
Jones' Point, on the site of the initial corner-stone of the Federal Territory, at 
the same time to constitute one of the defenses of the river approach to the 
Capital from the Sea, and to be called Fort Columbia. It was actually com- 
menced, but was soon afterwards abandoned. 

In 1846 all that portion of the District, consisting of about 36 sq. m., which 
lay on the W bank of the Potomac, in Virginia, was retroceded to that State, 
which reduced the area to 64 sq. m., its present extent. Since the retrocession, 
the short-sighted policy of that act has been demons .rated. The question of re- 
storing the Territory to its first limits is being agitated. In the absence of ab- 
solute jurisdiction on both sides of the river, it is manifest that there must be 
interminable conflicts of interest and authority; the more so as the Capital in- 
creases in population, wealth and magnificence. The schemes of improvement 
of the Potomac in front of Washington and Georgetown also demand the 
possession of the Virginia shore. 

Political Divisions.— The District is divided into the cities 
of Washington and Georgetown and the County of Wash- 
ington. 

Government— The Congress of the United States, in N ov., 
1800, assembled for the first time in the City of Washing- 
ton. The jurisdiction of the United States over the Dis- 
trict vested on the first Monday of Dec., 1800. It was not, 
however, till Feb. 27, 1801, that Congress assumed direct and 
exclusive jurisdiction— all affairs of the District being first 
referred to a Committee for the District of Columbia for con- 
sideration and report. 



8 GOVERNMENT. 

The act of Congress approved February 21, 1871, created 
all that part of the territory of the United States included 
within the limits of the District of Columbia, into a govern- 
ment, by the name of the District of Columbia ; the execu- 
tive power to be vested in a Governor, to be nominated by 
the President and confirmed by the Senate, and to hold office 
for four years ; and the legislative power in a Legislative As- 
sembly, composed of a Council of 11 members, nominated by 
the President and confirmed by the Senate, to hold office two 
years, and a House of Delegates of 22 members, elected by 
the people, and to meet annually. There was a Board of 
Public Works for improvements, a Board of Health, charged 
with the sanitary care of the District, and a Delegate in Con- 
gress. 

On January 22, 1872, a memorial was presented to Con- 
gress, declaring that the Board of Public Works had usurped 
authority in making improvements, and was submitted on 
February 6, 1872, setting forth a great increase of the debt of 
the District of Columbia, and asking that this be prevented. 
An investigation was ordered. This committee made two 
reports. The majority admitted that mistakes had been 
made, but not for corrupt purposes. The minority declared 
that the grievances complained of were sustained. Two years 
later another appeal was made to Congress. A joint resolu- 
tion, passed by the House of Representatives February 2, and 
Senate February 11, 1874, created a Joint Select Committee, of 
three Senators and five Representatives, to inquire into the 
affairs of the District of Columbia. The principal charges of 
the memorialists, headed by W. W. Corcoran, were that un- 
lawful contracts had been made for public improvements in 
the District of Columbia ; that unlawful assessments of taxes 
had been levied ; that false measurements had been made ; 
and that the debt had been unnecessarily increased. 

The committee, after an investigation consuming over three 
months, unanimously arrived at the conclusion that the then 
existing form of government of the District of Columbia was 
a failure ; that it was too cumbrous and expensive ; that it 
was wanting in sufficient safeguards against maladministra- 
tion and the creation of indebtedness. The act of June 20, 
1874, based upon the recommendations of the committee, 
abolished the territorial form, alone retaining the Board of 
Health, and provided a p7*ovisional government of three Com- 
missioners until a permanent one was devised by Congress. 
This is now being done. 

A notorious act, growing out of the troubles between the 
memorialists and the government of the District of Columbia, 
led to another investigation, on a joint resolution of Congress, 



POPULATION. 9 

May 5, 1874, to inquire whether any officers in the employ- 
ment of the United States or of the District of Columbia were 
engaged in a conspiracy to defeat or hinder the investigations 
ordered by Congress into the affairs of tile District, and par- 
ticularly the circumstances connected with the robbery of 
the safe in the office of the United States attorney for the 
District of Columbia. The committee reported that they 
were satisfied that one of the objects of the burglary was to 
falsely implicate certain individuals among the memorialists, 
but were unable to determine who were the conspirators, 
and directed that the evidence be turned over to the Secre- 
tary of the Treasury and Attorney General for their informa- 
tion. Criminal prosecutions were ordered. Upon a trial of 
the case the jury failed to agree, and the government entered 
a nolle pros. 

The judicial courts of the District are subject to the legisla- 
tive action of Congress only. 

The salaries of all officers appointed by the President are 
paid by the U. S. ; all others by the District. The new District 
government went into operation June 1, 1871. 

Finances, estimated upon the tax levy for the fiscal year 
ending June 30, 1874 : 

Assessed valuation of real estate in the District of Colum- 
bia, $96,433,072, viz : Washington, $80,539,782 ; Georgetown, 
$6,272,010; Countv of Washington, $9,621,280. Total actual 
valuation, $200,000,000. Revenue: Taxes, $1,888,252 06; 
other sources, $200,000; total.*$2,08S,252 06. Rate of tax on 
$100 : Washington, $2 00; Georgetown, $2 00; County, $1 58. 

The act of Congress of 1874, abolishing the territorial gov- 
ernment established in 1871, also embraced provisions for a 
thorough examination of the financial condition of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia and accounts of the Board of Public Works. 
This work has been carefully performed by a Board of Audit 
and reported to Congress. 

The bonded debt existing Nov. 1, 1873, was as follows : 
District of Columbia, $5,522,350; late Corporation of Wash- 
ington, $4,127,584 22 ; late Corporation of Georgetown, $252,- 
316 96 : total, $9,902,251 .18. Congress limits the amount of 
debt that may be incurred by the District to $10,000,000. 

Population. — The population of the District, inclusive of 
the County of Alexandria up to 1840, and exclusive after, 
during each decade since its occupation by the Government, 
was, 1800, 14,093 ; 1810, 24,023 ; 1820, 33,039 ; 1830, 39,834 ; 
1840, 43,712; 1850, 51,687; 1860, 75,080; 1870, 131,700. 

Classified, 1870 : White, 88,278 ; colored, 43,404 ; Chinese, 
3 ; Indian, 15 ; male, 62,192 ; female, 69,508 ; native, 115. -146 ; 



10 INDUSTRY AND WEALTH. 

foreign born, 16,254 ; native of District of Columbia, 52,340 ; 
of other States, 63,106. Of foreign countries, 16,254, viz : 
Ireland, 8,218 ; Germany, 4,920 : England, 1,422 ; Scotland, 
352; British America, 290; France, 231; Italy, 182; all 
other foreign countries, 639. 

By civil divisions, 1870: Washington, 109,199; George- 
town, 11,384; countv, 11,117. 

Slave population : "lSOO, 3,244; 1810, 5,395; 1820, 6,377; 
1830, 6,119; 1840, 4,694; 1850, 3,687; 1860, 3,185; 1870, 
none . 

Total, exclusive of Alexandria Countv : 1800, 8,144 ; 1810, 
15,471 ; 1820, 23,336 ; 1830, 30,261 ; and 1840, 33,745 ; subse- 
quently, as above. 

The increase to 131,700 daring the decade ending in 1870 
indicates an unusually rapid growth. This will be further 
promoted, as the disposition already manifested by citizens of 
means in all parts of the country to make the National Capi- 
tal a place of winter resort increases. 

Miscellaneous Statistics, 1870.— Area, 64 sq. m. ; persons to 
a sq. m., 2,057.81. Families, 25,276; persons to a family, 
5.21. Dwellings, 23,308 ; persons to a dwelling 5.65. Per- 
sons in each class of occupations : Agriculture, 1,365 ; male, 
1,350 ; female, 15. Professional and personal services, 29,845 ; 
male, 17,927; female, 11,918. Trade and transportation, 
6,126; male, 5,852 ; female, 274. Manufacture, mechanical, 
and mining, 11,705; male, 10,071; female, 1,634. Other 
statistical information will be found under appropriate heads. 

Vital Statistics.-The District is situated in one of the health- 
iest regions in the country. Notwithstanding the large num- 
ber of strangers constantly arriving in the citj' and the 
irregular habits of a large proportion, the average death-rate 
compares favorably with other sections. The census of 1870 
shows the following results : Oregon, 1 death to 146 popula- 
tion, the most favorable ; Minnesota, 1 to 124 ; New Hamp- 
shire, 1 to 74 ; Penns3*lvania, 1 to GQ: District of Columbia, 1 
to 65 ; California, 1 to 62 ; Missouri, 1 to 61 ; Massachusetts, 1 
to 56 ; Louisiana, 1 to 50. The percentage of deaths to pop- 
ulation in the District is 1.53. The aggregate number of 
deaths in 1870 was 2,015: males, 1,065; females, 950; ag- 
gregate population, 131,700. Of the deaths, 929 died under 
the age of 5 years. The principal diseases are pulmonary 
and fevers, in particular localities. The fevers are generally 
intermitting and bilious. 

Industry and Wealth, 1870.— Valuation of Property, $74,- 
271,693; assessed real, $71,437,468; personal, $2,834,225. 



12 GEOLOGY. 

True value, real and personal, $126,873,618. This is exclu- 
sive of the property of the General Government. Taxation, 
not national, total $1,581,569 ; county, $49,975 ; city, $1,531,- 
594 ; 1860, total $260,218 ; 1870, public debt, not national, 
$2,596,545. Agriculture: Acres improved, 8,266 ; woodland, 
2,428 ; other unimproved, 983 ; value of farms, $3,800,230 ; 
implements, <fcc. $39,450 ; value of productions, betterments, 
and additions to stock, $319,517. In 1860 there were 17,474 
acres improved and 16,789 unimproved, with a value of but 
$2,989,267. Manufactures : Establishments, 952 ; capital, 
$5,021,925; products, $9,292,173. In 1860 there were but 
429 establishments, with capital $2,905,865, and products 
$5,412,102. No mining or established fisheries. 

Agriculture. — The cereals and other crops of the 1ST. belt 
of the 1ST. temperate zone are cultivated with success in the 
District of Columbia. Fruits and vegetables in great varietj T 
are also grown. The markets of the capital are abundantly 
supplied from the vicinity, and rank with, if they do not ex- 
cel, the finest in other parts of the United States. 

Topography, — The District of Columbia presents a pleasing 
variety of landscape. On the shores of the Potomac, towards 
the NW., the outlying spurs of the Blue Ridge range of the 
Appalachian chain approach the citj^, and form the wild and 
romantic scenery of rugged rocky hills and deep valleys along 
the Potomac at the Little and Great Falls. The remainder 
of the District consists of sweeping and graceful undulations. 
The Potomac, from the NW., and the Anacostia, from the 
NE., unite their currents about the centre of the original 
bounds of the District, from which point the main river flows 
in a southerly direction, until it passes the line. A number 
of smaller streams, including Rock and Tiber Creeks, which 
water all parts of the District, find their outlets into the Po- 
tomac or Anacostia. 

Geology. — The, soil of the District bordering the Potomac 
is alluvial, formed by the rich deposits of the river, brought 
down from the mountains. The elevated lands consist almost 
exclusively of yellow clay, interspersed with sand and gravel. 
Occasionally a mixture of loam and clay is met with. Rock 
Creek divides the primitive from the alluvial soil. Above 
Rock Creek the shores of the Potomac are lined with primi- 
tive rocks. Shortly after leaving the District the red sand- 
stone appears. In some parts the stone frequently contains 
leaves of trees and ligneous fragments. A species of gneiss, 
composed of feldspar, quartz, and mica, is also abundant, and 
constitutes the underlying rock of the entire District. 



ORNITHOLOGY. 13 

Mineralogy. — The mineralogy of the District is thus stated 
by Mr. Robinson, in his Catalogue : 

Flint, on the shores of the Eastern Branch of the Poto- 
mac, near the Navy Yard, in small nodules. 

HORNESTONE, containing organic remains. 

Agatized Wood, woodstone, three miles north from Wash- 
ington, sometimes invested with minute crystals of quartz, 
fine specimens, and abundant. 

Schorl, in Georgetown, in gneiss. 

Lignite and Pyritical Fossil Wood, found abund- 
antly in digging wells. 

Iron Ore, in the vicinity of the woodstone locality, in de- 
tached masses, on the surface. Organic remains in sandstone 
abundant. 

Botany. — A list of the plants indigenous to the District of 
Columbia, prepared by J. A. Brereton, in 1822, from the ma- 
terial collected under the auspices of the Washington Botan- 
ical Society, and entitled Florida Columbiana, presents 22 
classes and 288 varieties, following the Linnsean classification,, 
Of the more familiar varieties found are the oak, (several va- 
rieties,) button-wood, red maple, sassafras, alder, mountain 
ash, linden, catalpa, locust, chestnut, tulip, horehound, pen- 
nyroyal, dogwood, blue-eyed grass, violet, wild honeysuckle, 
fox grape, Indian tobacco, mullien, wild sweet potato, night- 
shade, chickweed, touch-me-not, dog's bane, spiderwort, elder, 
sumac, calamus, superb lily, hellebore, free primrose, ground 
laurel, laurel, whortleberry, wild indigo, wild pink, cockle, 
poke, strawberry, dewberry, blackberry, sweet brier, May 
apple, columbine, ground ivy, motherwort, catnip, trumpet 
creeper, water-cress, wild pepper-grass, passion flower, crow- 
foot geranium, snakeroot, pea vine, wild potato vine, dande- 
lion, thistle, wild lettuce, sunflower, ladies' slipper, sedge, 
nettle, burdock, hog weed, Indian turnip, cucumber. 

Zoology. — The animals native to the region embraced within 
and contiguous to the District of Columbia in primitive times 
resorted to this vicinity in large numbers to feed upon the rich 
pastures found upon the alluvial banks of the Potomac. 
Among these were several varieties of deer. There were also 
panther, black bear, wild cat, wolves, red and gray foxes, 
rabbits, beaver, raccoon, opossum, squirrels, (several varieties,) 
field mice. The larger species are exterminated. The num- 
ber of species of all kinds is stated at 42. 

Ornithology. — The feathered kingdom is well represent- 
ed. Jefferson, in his Notes on Virginia, speaks of 100 vari- 
eties of birds, most of which doubtless were found in the 



14 CLIMATE. 

District. The wild turkey was found in great numbers. 
The canvas-back duck, which in early days resorted to the 
vicinity of Analostan Island, is yet met with in the estu- 
aries of the streams below the city; also the wild goose, 
swan, mallard, blue-winged teal, widgeon, and other spe- 
cies. In the swamps are found snipe, rail, blackbirds, 
and reed-birds. The country generally abounds in quail. 
The hunting of feathered game is restricted by law. The 
autumn months generally constitute the season. The car- 
dinal grosbeak, mocking-bird, sparrow, linnet, yellow-bird, 
thrush, sand-piper, king-fisher, and heron are also met with. 
The number of species of all kinds is stated at 236. 

Ichthyology — The Potomac, within the District, is stocked 
with fish in great numbers, some of which are of the finest 
varieties. Those best known are the sturgeon, (weight from 
40 to 150 lbs.,) rock fish, (from 1 to 75 lbs.,) shad, bass, gar, 
eel, (three varieties,) carp, herring, pike, perch, (four varie- 
ties,) catfish, mullet, (three varieties,) and smelt. The shad 
of the Potomac are of excellent quality. In the season they 
are very abundant, and may be seen caught on the Virginia 
shore opposite the city; also large quantities of herring are 
caught below the city. The laws of Maryland, as early as 
1768, provided for the protection of the fish. Subsequent 
acts placed a heavy penalty upon the destruction of young 
fish by weirs and dams, and to prevent beating with cords or 
poles at certain seasons of the year. A species of shark also 
ascends to the city. 

Herpetology. — There are about 50 species of reptiles. Of 
turtles and lizards there are several varieties. There are 
about 20 species of serpents, including the rattle, copperhead, 
black, garter, water, green snakes, and vipers. 

Climate. — The climate of the District of Columbia is gen- 
erally salubrious, though subject to sudden changes, particu- 
larly in spring The means for a series of years, compiled 
at the office of the Chief Signal Officer (Reports for the 
benefit of commerce), indicate these general conditions of the 
atmosphere: Mean temperature, minimum, 7° to 9° Fah- 
renheit, maximum, 95° to 102°.5; mean Barometer, min., 
29.08 to 29.35 inches, max., 30.63 to 30.82; Rain Fall, max., 
5.8 inches to 7.8 in.; Prevailing winds* northwest. The 
hottest months are July and August, and the coldest De- 
cember and February. Sleighing is rare. In summer storms, 
attended with excessive lightning and thunder, are frequent. 
In the winter of 1874-5 navigation on the Potomac was 
entirely suspended for several weeks on account of the ice. 




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SECTION II. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY. 




AVENUES, SQUARES, STATUES, &o. 

HERE are three points within the city from which 
the finest views of Washing-ton may be obtained : 
1st. The Dome of the Capitol. 2d. The West Por- 
tico of the Capitol, reached through the central hall 
of the Library of the United States. 3d. The higher 
of the north central towers of the Smithsonian In- 
stitution. Outside of the city the best points are from the 
tower of the Government Hospital for the Insane, beyond 
#the Anacostia, and the portico of Arlington House, beyond 
the Potomac. The stranger should not fail to take advan- 
tage of at least one of these opportunities, and' all would 
amply repay him. With the aid of this Hand-book and 
map he will thus be able to form a perfect idea of the city 
and the location of the principal public buildings. 

Topography. — The site of Washington covers an undulat- 
ing tract, which lies along the left or E. bank of the Potomac 
River, between Rock Creek and the Anacostia. From the 
rugged elevations on the banks of Rock Creek a crescent- 
shaped ridge crosses the northern portions of the city. About 
two thirds Its length it suddenly parts, to allow the fitful cur- 
rent of the Tiber through. From that point it rises and 
spreads out into the expansive plateau of Capitol Hill, which 
overlooks the Anacostia on the E. Within this encircling 
ridge the surface falls away in terraces and gentle slopes to 
the banks of the Potomac. In different parts of the city are 
eminences which afford commanding situations for the public 
buildings. 

From the lower falls of the Potomac at Georgetown, where 
the outlying spurs of the Blue Ridge Mountains give the face 
of nature a somewhat rugged appearance, a chain of low, 
wooded hills range on the 1ST., and- continuing on the op- 
posite shores of the Anacostia and Potomac, merge again in 
the hills on the Virginia side. These give the appearance of 
a vast ampithcatre, in the centre of which stands the city. 

The mean altitude of the city is about 40 ft. above the or- 

15 



16 PLAN OP THE CITY. 

dinary low tide in the Potomac opposite. The more impor- 
tant elevations, according to levels taker by Brev. Lieut. Coi, 
George W. Hughes, Corps of Topographical Engineers, in 
1850, are as follows : 

Foundation of St. John's Church, NE. corner of 16th 
and H sts. NW,, opposite Lafayette Square and the Presi- 
dent's House, 65.50 ft. 

Corner of I and 19th sts. M, 82.10 ft. 

East base of Capitol, 89.50 ft. 

Base of Naval Observatory, 96.20 ft. 

Corner of N and 11th sts. NW., (highest point in the city,) 
103.70 ft. 

The soil upon which the city is built is generally a yellow- 
ish clay, mixed with gravel. In digging wells near New Jer- 
sey av. trees well preserved were found at a depth of from 6 
to 48 ft. At one point a stratum of black mud was discov- 
ered at a depth of 18 ft. 

The Tiber — so named more than a century before Wash- 
ington was founded, in the belief, it is said, that some day 
upon its banks would rise a capital greater than Rome, like 
its historic and larger namesake — runs through the city, di- 
viding it into two parts. Its fountain streams rise in the 
hills to the N., and enter the city in several branches, the 
principal one in the vicinity of 1st st. W. ; it then pursues a 
SE. and S. course, till it crosses Massachusetts av., when it 
winds oft' to the SW. around the NW. base of Capitol Hill 
and across Pennsylvania av. and the Botanical Garden. 
Originally its course continued along the Mall and emptied 
into the Potomac immediately W. of the Washington Mon- 
ument. Subsequently it was diverted into the Washington 
Canal at 3d st. W., which followed the line of B st. N. along 
the N. borders of the Mall. The filling of the canal led to 
further changes. The Tiber and its tributaries have since 
been utilized by diverting them into the sewerage system of 
the central and southern portions of the city; hence, although 
the stream traverses one of the most populous sections, its 
course is not traceable, the current flowing beneath heavy 
brick arches, upon which buildings have been erected and 
avenues, streets, and parks laid out. In primitive days the 
banks of the Tiber were lined with forests, and shad and her- 
ring in their season were caught in its waters, under the very 
shadow of the hill where the Capitol now stands. 

Plan of the City. — The plan of Washington was prepared 
in 1791 by Peter Charles L'Enfant, a French engineer of 
noticeable genius but eccentric habits, who had served in the 
Continental Army with sufficient distinction to attract the 



18 PROPOSED E.V BELLI M1MENTS. 

attention of Washington. In the work he was gieatly as- 
sisted by the advice of Thomas Jefferson, who, when diplo- 
matic representative of the United States at foreign courts, 
had, with an intuitive vision of the wants of the future, stud- 
ied the plans of the cities of Europe visited by him, and was 
competent and prepared, with the aid of plans and his per- 
sonal knowledge of their details, to contribute an invaluable 
amount of information on this important subject. The plan 
adopted combines the artistic beauty and grace of Versailles 
and the practical advantages of Babylon, revived by William 
Penn in Philadelphia. In the conception of the plan, the 
predominating object was to secure positions for the different 
public edifices ; also squares and areas of different shapes, 
which would afford fine prospects. The avenues were in- 
tended to connect the most distant parts with certain princi- 
pal central points, to insure a reciprocity of views. Lines 1ST. 
and $., intersected by others running E. and W., were to 
divide the city into streets and squares^ These lines were to 
be so combined as to intersect at certain given points another 
set of divergent avenues, so as to form on the open spaces. 
Eveiy grand transverse avenue and every principal divergent 
one, such as from the Capitol to the President's House, was 
to be 160 ft. wide, laid out with 10 ft. sidewalks and 30 ft. of 
gravel-walk, planted with trees on either side, and 80 ft. of 
carriageway in the centre. The other avenues and streets 
leading to public buildings or markets were to be 130 ft. wide, 
and others 110 and 90 ft. 

The site for the Capitot. was determined upon as the initial point in execu- 
tion of this plan. That important question having been decided, Mr. Eliicot.t 
drew a true meridian line by celestial observation, which passed through ihe 
area intended for the Capitol. This he crossed by another, a due E. and W. 
lino, which passed through the same area. These lines were accurately 
measured, and formed the basis on which the whole plan was executed. All 
these lines were run by a transit instrument, and the acute angles were deter- 
mined by actual measurement, leaving nothing to the uncertainty of the coin- 
pass. The avenues and streets were then laid down. 

The ideas of the projectors not only contempla«"- J - federal City capable of 
great expansion, but also took in its creditable embellishment . Although the 
want of means and the general apathy of the government and people allowed 
these suggestions to pass unrecognized, it is interesting to observe that the dis- 
graceful and neglected condition of the Capital of the United States for nearly 
three quarters of a century was not owing to any imperfections in the original 
plan. Directly S. of the President's House, in the triangular space between 
the Mall and the Potomac and the mouth of the Tiber, where the unfinished 
> Obelisk to the memory of Washington stands, was located the site for the 
' Equestrian Statue of Washington, voted by the Continental Congress in 1783. 
On E. Capitol St., between 11th and 13th sts. E. , and about the centre of the 
high plateau between the Capitol and the Anacostia, where four avenues inter- 
sect, was laid out a spacious square, in which was to be erected an Historic 
Column, to be used also as a Mile or Itinerary Column, from which it was in- 
tended to calculate the distances to all places within the United States and on 
the continent. This column would have answered the purpose of the cele- 
brated Niphon-Bass or Bridge of Japan, at Yedo. This bridge is considered 



OK.IUIN OF THE PLAN. 1$ 

as the centre of the empire. From it the Tocaido extends to all parts of the 
empire, and geographical distances are computed. At the foot of 8th st. W., 
immediately on the banks of the Potomac, and commanding a fine view ot 
the widening reach of the river below, was to be erected a Naval Itinerary 
Column, to celebrate the first rise of the Navy, and "to stand a ready monu- 
ment to consecrate its progress and achievements." Tne crest of the knoll on 
which the Patent Office now stands was set apart for a National Church and 
Mausoleum, designed for the use of the Government on occasions of public 
prayer, thanksgivings, state funerals and orations, and for any other purpose 
national in character The edifice was to be assigned to the special use of no 
particular sect or denomination, but to be equally open to all. It was also to 
be the place for such monumental or other tributes of a grateful country voted 
by the then late Continental Congress for those heroes who fell in the cause ot 
liberty, and for such others as might be decreed a place there by the voice ol 
the nation. Also five grand Fountains weie tj be erected at different promi- 
nent points: one S. of the Capitol, in the large irregular space formed by the 
intersection of Virginia and North and South Carolina avs.; one on Maryland 
av., at the intersection of F and nthsts. N. E-; one at the intersection of Penn- 
sylvania and Louisiana avs., nrar the present site of the Centre Market; one 
on New York av., at the intersection of I St., between nth and 12th sts.,N. W.; 
and one on the N. side of Pennsylvania av., at the intersection of I st., between 
20th and 21st sts. N. W. It was proposed to supply these fountains from the 
springs and streams within the limits of the city. Between the Capitol and 
the Botanical Garden it was intended to construct a Grand Cascade, to be fed 
from the Tiber. Between Pennsylvania and Maryland avs., from 3d st. W., a 
space of 1,200 ft. was laid down as the main approach to the "Federal House" 
or Capitol, and by which it was intended to reach the upper square of the 
"Federal House." The Mall was, to form a grand avenue, 400 ft. wide and 
about 1 m. in length, bordered with gardens, to lead to the Equestrian Statue 
of Washington, or where the Monument now stands, and to connect the " Con- 
gress Garden with the President's Park." On E. Capitol St., which was to be 
i6d ft. wide to the proposed bridge across the Anacostia, the pavement on 
each side was to pass under archways, with shops. On the S ot the Presi- 
dent's Park was to be a well-improved ''Field, 1,800 ft. wide and y A m. long,'' 
part of the " Walk" from the President's House. This spacious reservation 
was designed for the more elegant houses and gardens of the city, to be used 
by diplomatic or other foreign representatives and prominent officials of the 
United States. Fifteen squares were to be distributed among the States in 
the Union, for them to embellish within a limited time, by the erection of 
some appropriate statue, or other mark, to the memory of the heroes of the 
Revolution, " to inspire the young," and designed to "leave a grand idea of 
patriotic interest." Lots were to be assigned for the use of churches, colleges 
and other institutions. All dwellings or other structures were to be built in 
accordance with certain regulations, so as to preserve uniformity. 

Origin of the Plan. — The resemblance between the plans 
of L 'Enfant for Washington and L/Notre for Versailles will 
be apparent to any one who has visited the capital of the 
Western Kepnblic and the magnificent royal residence of 
the kings of France. The grand avenues de Sceaux and dc 
Si. Clwd, diverging from the Conr Royale, are reproduced 
in Pennsylvania and Maryland avs., radiating from the E. 
front of the Capitol ; E. Capitol st. is the Avenue de Paris; 
the Boulevard du Roi and the Allee du Potager in N. and 
S. Capitol sts.; and the Allees de la Heine, de Noisy, des 
Paons, and de la Reine, which diverge from the E. extrem- 
ity of the Grand Canal, near the Basin d'Apollon, with the 



-^% 



v<) RESERVATIONS 

omission of Allee de la Reine to the SW., respectively, in 
Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New York avs. W. of the 
President's House. The missing' avenue in the plan of 
Washington, the continuation of Vermont av., would have 
completed the resemblance, but for the interference of na- 
ture : the Potomac and the mouth of the Tiber standing 
in the way of the extension SW. of the President's House. 
Other striking features of the design of Versailles are observ- 
able. Washington, however, having in view the practical as 
well as the beautiful, might be said to combine the plans of 
two cities. The streets running at right angles have a regard 
for the facilities of business. While over these, with an eye 
to beautiful prospects and the advantageous display of the 
centres of attraction, at long ranges are laid the broad ave- 
nues, cmrefours, allees, and lawns of the imperial retreat at 
Versailles. 

Though the city was originally laid out on a scale adequate to the necessities 
of a metropolis of more than half a million inhabitants, and with the proper 
regard for the adornment of the Capital of a great people in the future, the 
crude ideas entertained by subsequent statesmen respecting the political status 
of the Federal Territory and city were adverse to any expenditure other than 
to establish there a simple place of meeting for the representatives of the States 
— a sort of central agency, where the President and Executive officers might be 
stationed, and where Congress might come once a year or oftener, as the exi- 
gencies of the "times required, to transact the business intrusted to them by the 
Constitution— mainly to pass laws, appropriate money, levy taxes, declare 
war, ratify'treaties, and confirm nominations. This class, then in the ascend- 
ency, found it impossible, or were unwilling, to see anything national in the 
foundation of a Federal Capital, and consequently opposed every measure 
looking beyond the mere provision of accommodations for the public offices. 
To build a capital in every sense symbolic and worthy of the Union was en- 
tirely foreign to their interpretation of the meaning of that portion of the Con- 
stitution which gave Congress the powor to accept and exercise exclusive juris- 
diction over a Territory to be solely devoted to the uses of the nation for the 
purposes of the Government. These notions, it would seem, were a revival of 
a practice in Germany centuries ago. On the left bank of the Rhine, imme- 
diately below the ancient village of Rhense, on the very brink of the stream, 
and apart from the habitations of men, is still to be seen the famous though 
rude rostrum or temple known as the Koenigsstuhl. It consists of stone seats, 
within a small circular wall, and overhead entirely open to the air. Here, in 
the earlier ages, the German electors assembled to deliberate upon the affairs 
of the empire, to perform acts for the common good, to make treaties, and to 
nominate or depose the emperors. Washington, by the class alluded to, was 
viewed in the light of the Koenigsstuhl of the United States. More mature 
thought, however, at last brought the people to look upon their capital as the 
political metropolis of the United States. This enlightened view is recent, 
dating no further back than 1861. It was not till 1870 that the march of much- 
needed improvement commenced. With this new state of affairs the Capital is 
annually becoming more worthy of the greatness of the Republic of over fifty 
millions of people. 

Beservations — In the plan of the city a liberal allowance 
of space was selected and marked out in the most desirable 
localities for the sites of public buildings, parks, and for other 
purposes of the Government. These grounds were called res- 



s yb 



RESERVATION. 



21 



ervations, and were numbered from 1 to 17, with an 
aggregate area of 541 acres, 1 rood, 29 perches, fo: which 
ihe government paid $66.66§ per acre, total $36,099, from 
money arising out of the sale of city lots granted by the 




Mill's statub of Washington. (See page 39.) 

original proprietors. These reservations were selected by 
President Washington for public purposes. Those still pos- 
sessed by the Government — several having beeri sold or 
granted away since, leaving 513 acres — are designated on 
the maps by their original numbers, but are popularly 



22 RESERVATIONS. 

called after the principal buildings situated on them, or 
from the uses to which assigned, as follows: 

No. i. The President's Grounds extend from H st. N. to B st. N., and 
from 15th to 17th sts. W., with the exception of a square in the NE. and 
NW. angles. On these grounds are the President's House, conservatories, 
and stables, flanked on the E. by the Treasury Department, and on the W. 
by the State, War. and Navy Departments. Total area, 83 a. 1 r. 22 p. 

No. 2. The Capitol Grounds and Mall extend from 1st st. E. to the pro- 
longation of 15th st. W., and between B sts. N. and S. On these grounds 
are the Capitol, Botanical Garden, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Ag- 
ricultural Department. Total originally, 227 a. o r. 8 p. Under authority 
of Congress, in 1872, squares No. 687 and 688, in the NE. and SE. angles of 
the E. Park, were purchased and thrown into the grounds. The deficient 
portion of the Mall was disposed of in 1822. See Reservations Nos. 10, n 
and 12. 

No. 3. The Park extends from the W. line of the Mall, on 15th st. W., to 
the banks of the Potomac,'and is separated from the President's Grounds by 
B St., N., formerly the line of the Tiber Creek and the Washington Canal. 
The old channel of the Tiber entered the Potomac on the NW. border of 
this reservation. These grounds are occupied by the Washington Monu- 
ment and the Government Nurseries. Total area, 29 a. 3 r. 9 p. 

No. 4. The University Square extends from E. st. N. to the banks of the 
Potomac, and between 23d and 25th sts. W. On these grounds is the Naval 
Observatory. Total area, 21 a. o r. 18 p. 

No. 5. The Arsenal Grounds, foot of 4^ st. W., originally included 
the point of land at the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac, from 
Greenleaf's Point to T st. S., and between the mouth of James Creek and 
the line of 3d st. W. to the Potomac. Total area, 28 a. 2 r. 31 p. This 
reservation in 1857 was extended by the purchase of the land between the 
line of the canal into James Creek and W. to the Potomac and N. to P st. S. 

No. 6. The West Market Square, on the Potomac, at the foot of 20th and 
21st st. W. covered with water. 

No. 7. The Centre Market Square, between the point of intersection of 
Pennsylvania and Louisiana avs. and B st. N., and from 7th to 9th sts. W. 
Total area, 2 a. 3 r. 29 p. This reservation years ago was granted by the 
President to the corporation for the erection of a market. In i860 it was 
granted to a private corporation by which the present handsome structure 
was erected, now the principal market in the city. 

No. 8. The National Church Square, between 7th and 9th sts. W. and F. 
and G. sts. N., occupied by the Patent Office. Area 4 a. o r. 22 p. 

No. 9. Judiciary Square, between the intersection of Indiana and Louisiana 
avs. and G. st. N., and 4th and 5th sts. W., occupied by the City Hall. 
Area, 19 a. 1 r. 27 p. In 1819 a portion of this reservation was granted by 
Congress to the corporation for a Town House or City Hall. 

No. 10 Reservation North of Pennsylvania av. between 3d and 4^ sts. W 
In 1822, granted by Congress to the corporation, to be sold in lots, to pay for 
the removal of the canal, which then ran along the S. side of Pennsylvania 
av., to the centre of the Mall, from 3d to 6th sts. W., and to fill up the low 
grounds in that vicinity. Total area, 6 a. o r. 31 p. 

No. 11. Reservation between B and C sts. N. and 2d and 3d sts. W. Total 
area, 3 a. 2 r. 34 p. Disposed of same as reservation No. 10. 

No. 12. Reservation North of Pennsylvania av., between 2d and 3d sts. W. 
Total area, 1 a. 1 r. 4 p. Disposed of same as reservations Nos. 10 and 11. 

No. 13. Hospital Square, from the Anacostia to 19th st. E. and between B 
and G sts. S. Total area, 77 a. o r. 26 p. On this square stands the Maga- 
zine, Alms House, and District Jail. 

No. 14. The Navy Yard is bounded by M st. S. and the Anacostia, and the 
continuation of 6th and 9th sts. E. Total area, 12 a. 3 r. 15 p. On these 
grounds are the buildings, docks, ship-houses, and works of the Washington 
Navy Yard. ! 

Nos. 15 and 16. Eastern M\rket House Squares, near the Navy Yard. I 
These reservations were granted by Congress to the municipal corporation 



RESERVATIONS. 



23 



for the purpose stated. Area, No. 15, i a. o r. 21 p. ; No. 16, 1 a., or. 23 p. 
> r o. 17. Town House Square, the irregular space S. of the Capitol between 

S. Capitol st. and 3d st. E. and E and H sts. S. Total area, 21 a. 1 r. jo p. 
The aggregate area of the public reservations in the city, deducting those 
disposed of, correction of errors, and modifications, is 513 acres. 

In 1812 the President of the Urited States was authorized to take possession 




brown's statue of general scott. (See page 36.) 



of the whole of the public reservations, and to lease them out for not exceeding 
ten years, on such terms and conditions as in his judgment might best effect 
their improvement for walks, botanic gardens, or other public purposes. 

A detailed description of the reservations occupied by 
the Government will lie found in connection with the 
public buildings or their other designating feature. 



24 



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AVKNUJGS. ^5 

Avenues and Streets.— The 21 avenues and 107 streets 
of the Capital have an aggregate length of 2,9 nu— aven- 
ues (io streets 214 m— and are of greater width than those 
of any 'other city in the world. Originally there were 13 
avs named after the States in the Union when the city 
was'laid out. Others on the first plan, but undesignated, 
were named after States subsequently admitted, though 
not in the order of their admission. The avenues radiate 
from principal centres or connect different parts of the 
citv. "With the alleys and open spaces at intersections 
the highways cover 2554 a., or nearly one-half of the area 
of the city. For location of avenues and streets see map of the 
city facing page 14; for location, width and course of avenues 
mid streets see "Table" page 24. For description of avenues 
see page 26. 




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. . I i } { i i-t-t M in 1 1 i "fi ill i i t i i- rt n j i in i 8 1 i 



HHNNSYLVANiA AVENUE. (Jarves.) 

The ratio of street ureas to areas of three of the principal cities in the 
United States and the same number in Europe is : Paris, France, 25.8 per cent., 
Berlin, Prussia, 26.4 per cent. ; Boston, United States, 26.7 per cent. ; Phila- 
delphia, United States, 29.8, per cent. ; New York, United States, 35.3 pei 
cent. ; Vienna, Austria, 35.8 percent.; Washington, United States, 41.8 per 
cent. The carriage ways of the avenues and streets are well laid, with a vari- 
ety of pavements amounting to over 160 m., embracing Belgian, granite, cob- 
ble-stone, Neufchatel, concrete, wood, Macadam and graveled. This length 
is computed on the basis of an assumed width of 32 ft. The improved styles of 
pavements have been laid on principal thoroughfares of business and pleasure, 
and on the avenues and streets occupied by the better class of residences. 
The cobble-stone, in stre-ets less traveled, mostly south of Pennsylvania av. 
The Macadam is but little used within the city, owing to the dust, but is ex- 
tensively employed on the highways travel sing the rural districts within the 
Territory. 

Under the old corporation, with the exception of a few spasmodic attempts, 
as the necessities of an increased population became urgent, no efforts were 



26 



AVENUES. 



made to improve the avenues, streets, and spaces. Under act of Con^u.* 
April 6, 1870, one-half of the width of many of the avenues and streeu a as 
set apart for parking, leaving a roadway of not less than 35 ft. width in the 
centre, or two such road-ways on each side of the park, should that be placed 
in the centre. Pennsylvania and Indiana avs. and 4% st. W., between the 
City Hall and Pennsylvania ave., were excluded from this arrangement. On 
July 8, of the same year, Congress authorized the paving of Pennsylvania 
av. at the Government expense. Under the Board of Public Works, a sys- 
tem of grades was adopted, to which all avenues and streets were made to 
conform. 

Description of Avenues. — The broad thoroughfares are 
among the principal attractions of the National Capital, and 
the finest possessed by any city in the world. A drive upon 
them, especially of an evening, when thronged with hand- 
some equipages, affords a truly enjoyable recreation. 

Pennsylvania av. is not only the principal, but also one of 
the two longest in the city. It is, however, twice interrupted 
in its continuity — by the President's House and Capitol. Its 
width varies from 130 to 160 ft. It is about 4|- m. in length, 
from Georgetown and Eock Creek to the Anacostia, and is the 
main line of communication across the city. Along its route 
are the Washington Circle, the War and Treasury Departments. 
and President's House. From 17th to 15th sts. the avenue pre- 




pre.sident's house, 1870. 

sents a particularly fine prospect, passing between the Nortf 
Park of the President's Grounds, in front of which is a side- 
walk 34j ft. wide, and Lafayette Square. From loth st. W. tc 
the Capitol it traverses the entire length of the finest business 
quarter and the fashionable drive. It thence winds up and 
around the hill surmounted by the Capitol, and continues to 
its terminus on the banks of the Anacostia. At the foot of 
8th st. E., leaving this avenue, is the Navy Yard. Pennsyl- 



DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 27 

vania av. was also the earliest used. In 1800 it was opened 
and rudely drained from the Capitol to Georgetown. During 
the administration of Jefl'erson, from the Capitol to the Pres- 
ident's House it was laid out in three roadways. A row of 
Lombardy poplars was planted between the centre or main 
roadway and that on either side. A flag-stone footwalk also 
ran from the Capitol to Georgetown. In 1825 the sidewalk 
on the S. side was paved with stone from the Capitol to the 
Navy Department. In 1832 the trees were cut down, the 
curbs extended, and a drained macadamized roadway, 45 ft. 
wide in the centre, laid out. The "centre strip," however, 
was not entirely completed till 1849, and then was shaded 
with elms, maples, and "trees of heaven." In 1842 it was 
lighted with lamps from the Capitol to the President's House ; 
subsequently it was paved with cobblestones, and so remained 
till 1870. 

Massachusetts Avenue is the longest unbroken in the 
city, being over 4J m. It begins at the NW. Boundary, 
at *22d st. W. ; is 160 ft. wide, and extends to the Ana- 
costia SE., intersecting New Hampshire and Connecticut 
avs. at 19th and P sts. NW., forming the P-street Circle; 
Vermont av. at 14th and M sts. NW., forming the Fourteenth- 
street Circle; New Yorkav. at 8th and K sts. NW., at Mount 
Vernon Place; New Jersey av. at 1st and G sts. NW. ; Del- 
aware av., between E and F sts. NE. ; Maryland av. and 5th 
and C sts. NE. at Stanton Place; Tennessee, North Caro- 
lina, and Kentucky avs. and E. Capitol and 12th sts. E. at 
Lincoln Square, and thence to the Hospital Grounds on the 
Anacostia. 

This avenue is the most beautiful in the city, gradually 
rising to an elevation considerably above the surrounding 
heights, from which it descends in easy gradation to the mid- 
dle of the broad intermediate valley, and rises again on the 
east. On its route are the finest circles and squares. The 
roadway is in the centre, while on either side are brick side- 
walks and plots of grass. From Kock Creek this avenue is 
paved with concrete, and from that point to New Jersey av. 
wood pavement. Be3 T ond it is ungraded. 

Vermont and Connecticut Avenues, 130 ft. wide, 
extending respectively NE. and NW. from the N. side of 
Lafayette Square, pass through tw T o of the most attractive 
portions of the city. 

New York Avenue, 130 ft. wide, is a fine thoroughfare. 
It begins at the Potomac and runs across the city in a NE. 
direction. From the Treasury Department it is parked in 
the centre, with a fine vista of young trees. 

Maryland Avenue, 160 ft. wide, extends NE. across 



/ 



28 DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 

the city from Long Bridge to the Baltimore Turnpike. SW. 
of the Capitol it is used for railroad purposes. 

New Jersey and Delaware Avenues, 160 ft. wide, 
begin respectively at the Anacostia and the Arsenal Grounds, 
and run NW. and NE. to the Boundary, crossing each other 
at the Capitol. 

Georgia Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at the Arsenal 
Grounds and runsNE., near and parallel to the Anacostia, 
striking it for a short distance W. of the Navy Yard, and ter- 
minates at the Hospital Grounds. 

South Carolina Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at Res- 
ervation No. 17, S. of the Capitol, runs NE., and terminates 
in Massachusetts av. 

Virginia Avenue, 120 ft. wide, begins near the mouth 
of Bock Creek and runs SE., crossing New Hampshire and 
New York avs., to the Potomac, near the SW. corner of the 
President's Grounds. On the S. boundary of the Mall, at 
12th st., it resumes, the width being 160 ft., and terminates 
at the Anacostia, crossing Maryland av., Reservation No. 17, 
and Georgia av. 

Rhode Island Avenue, 130 ft. wide, starts at Connect- 
icut av. and M st. N., runs NE., intersecting Massachusetts 
av. at 16th and N sts. NW. ; Vermont av. at 13th and P sts. 
NW., to the Boundary. 

New Hampshire Avenue starts at the Potomac, be- 
tween E and F sts. N. ; is 120 ft. wide, and runs NE., crossing 
Virginia av., 23d and P-street Circles, to the Boundary. 

Louisiana Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at the City Hall, 
runs SW. to Central Market Square, crossing Pennsylvania 
avenue. 

Indiana Avenue, 160 ft. wide, begins at the City Hall, 
runs SE. to 1st st. W. In 1850 it was improved from the City 
Hall. 

Missouri and Maine Avenues, 85 ft. wide, begin at the 
E. line of the Mall at 6th st. W. : run respectively SE. and 
NE. to 3d st. W., the western limit of the Botanical Garden. 

Ohio Avenue begins at the E. line of the S. Park of the 
President's Grounds at C st. N. ; runs SE. to Centre Market 
Square. 

North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky Ave- 
nues, in the E. part of the city, are but little built upon. 

All these avenues are more or less improved by the laying 
of stone, concrete, wood, cobble, or Belgian pavements, or 
macadamized or graveled roads, with parking. 

Executive Avenue, the construction of which began in 
1871, begins at Pennsylvania av. E. and W. of the President's 



DESCRIPTION OF AVENUES. 2& 

House, and opposite 15^ and 16^- sts. W. The W. entrances 
each consist of 6 massive granite gate-posts, upon which are 
swung iron gates. The avenue encloses a portion of the Pres- 
ident's Grounds on the E. and W., and on the opposite sides 
are the Treasury Department E.,and the War and Navy De- 
partment and the editice now building for the joint use of 
the State, War, and Navy Departments W. A granite stair- 
case, 20 ft. wide, with a fountain at the foot of the E. one, is 
built in the terrace on either side of the President's House, 
completing communication by the gravel walks leading to the 
E xecutive Departments. The sidewalks are richly paved and 
well lighted. Passing S. of the President's House, on either 
side, at the prolongation of E st. JST., the two wings of theav. 
form a semi-circle, the two extremities uniting opposite the S. 
Portico of the President's House, and proceed in a broad sin- 
gle line due S. to B st. 1ST., where the av. enters the Park or 
Monument Grounds, and joins the beautiful Drive, commenced 
in 1872, connecting the President's and Capitol Grounds. 

The Drive. — Leaving the S. terminus of Executive av., 
the Drive, consisting of a graveled roadway of 35 ft., planted 
on either side with trees, sweeps along the banks of the Po- 
tomac on the right, affording a superb view of the expansive 
bosom of the river N'., till lost behind the hill crowned by the 
Naval Observatoiy, and S. as far as the Long Bridge. On the 
left is a Lake, in course of completion, covering 3 a., fed by a 
spring on its SE. border and the waters of the Potomac. With- 
in a small enclosure, about 100 yds. W. of the Washington 
Monument, and on the left, near the av., is a gray freestone,. 
a little over 2 ft. in height, which marks the centre of the 
District of Columbia, as laid out in 1791-'92. The Drive now 
winds around the Monument. On the S. may be seen the 
green-houses and plants of the Government Propagating Gar- 
den. The wooden buildings, still standing on the hill near 
by and used as Government hospitals and by the Commissaiy 
Department of the United States Army 1861-' 65, are now 
occupied for blacksmith-shops, tools, and storage by the 
Eng, in charge of Public Buildings and Grounds. The Drive 
enters 14th st. W. nearly opposite the entrance of the Agricul- 
tural Grounds, and connects with the carriagewaj^s of that 
beautiful reservation. At this point also commences the Mall. 
Prior to 1816 this attractive portion of the public grounds 
was covered with majestic oaks, which were cut down about 
that year, under the stipulation in the agreement of the Com- 
missioners with the original proprietors that the latter should 
be entitled to the wood on the lands. Even the trees which 
cast a grateful shade over a refreshing spring at the foot of 
Capitol Hill, near Pennyslvania av.^ were thus destroyed. 



30 STREETS. 

Crossing 12th st. W., the drive enters the quiet retreat of the 
Smithsonian Institution; and leaving' this at 7th st., enters 
Armory Square, so named from the^Armory of the District 
Militia located on the S. portion, and takes a winding course 
to 6th st. W. This portion of the roadway is 1,300 ft. long, 
and will cross the track of the Baltimore and Potomac Kail- 
road at 6th st. W. on an ornamental iron bridge, with a 40 
ft. roadway and 12 ft. sidewalk on either side, to be con- 
structed by that company in compliance with the act of Con- 
gress. From 6th st. the Drive continues through the reserva- 
tion to 4$ st. W., and thence W. to the line of 3d st. W., 
terminating opposite the W. entrance to the Botanical Gar- 
den. It is proposed to extend the Drive across the garden, 
so as to complete the connection with the Capitol Grounds 
without leaving the line of the Mall, thus carrying out the 
original plan of the city, which contemplated a walk and 
drive between the President's House and the Capitol. The 
Drive, in connection with the roads of the Agricultural and 
Smithsonian grounds, is nearly 2 m. in length. 

Streets.— The streets of the city run from N". to S. and E. 
to W., crossing at right angles. The streets running N". and 
S. are designated numerically and by the words E. or W"., 
according to their positions with respect to the Capitol, which 
is the dividing point — as 1st st. E. of the Capitol, or 1st st. 
W. of the Capitol, and so on. The streets running E. and 
W. are designated by the letters of the alphabet and by the 
word IS", or S., according as they are situated N". or S. of the 
Capitol, the dividing point — as A st. N\, A st. S., which are 
the first streets 1ST. and S. of the Capitol, and so on. The 
streets E. of the Capitol number from 1st to 31st St., includ- 
ing the seven subject to overflow, and W. from 1st to 28th W. 

The lettered streets run to W st. N". and to V st. S. The 
limit of the city inland, or on the N., is known as Boundary 
Street. 

To avoid confusion, the city is divided into 4 quarters or 
sections— NE. and NW., SE. and SW. N. and S. Capitol 
sts., running on a N". and S. line from the Capitol and E. 
Capitol st., and the prolongation of the same replaced by the 
Mall, running at right angles, constitute the dividing lines. 
The streets vary in width from 70 to 160 ft., and are paved, 
macadamized, or graveled, according to their importance. 

The avenues and streets are numbered after the plan 
adopted in Philadelphia ; that is, 100 numbers to each square, 
commencing E. or W. and N". or S. of the Capitol. For in- 
stance, 100 would be the first number beyond 1st st., and 
200 beyond 2d to 3d st., and so on, the intermediate numbers 



RENOMLCLATURE. 



31 



ending in the block. The same rule is adopted for lettered 
streets and avenues. 

The city in addition toitsmagnificentavenues possesses 
many attractive streets. Prominent amongst these are F, 
I, K. and M, sts. N„, and 4J, 11, 14, and 15 sts. YV\, upon 
which are some of the most beautiful private residences. 
The fine thoroughfare extending East of the Capitol, 
known as East Capitol Street, was originally designed to 
be the chief street of the city ; North and South Capitol 
Streets running from the Capitol, lie on the first meridian 
of longitude for the United States, as laid down, in 1791, 
by Ellicott ; 7th Street W. is devoted exclusively to trade. 
( For location of streets see Map ; for width see " Table" page 24.) 




FOUR AND ONE-HALF STREET. (JarVlS.) 

Renomenclature. — It is proposed to abolish the present system of no- 
menclature of the streets with duplicate letters and numbers. This plan is not 
only extremely confusing to strangers, but embarrassing and a source of great 
inconvenience to residents. The proposed renomenclature contemplates for 
streets running N. and S. a system of consecutive numbers, beginning at 28th 
st. W., which would be 1st St., and terminating at 31st st. E., which would be 
60th st., the additional street necessary to make up that aggregate being 4% 
st. W. or 21st st. First Sts. W. and E. at the Capitol would be 29th and 30th 
sts. respectively, N. and S. Capitol sts. would retain their present names. 
It is also proposed to adopt for the streets running E. and W. a nomenclature 
which would require no alteration in the letters, selecting for each the name 
of some citizen eminent in the service of the Government or in private life, the 
initial letter to correspond with the letter which now designates the street. 
For instance : 

Streets North of the Capitol — Adams, Benton, Clay or Clinton, 
Douglas, Everett, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton. Jefferson, Kent, Lincoln, 
Marshall, Nelson, Otis, Peabody, Quincy, Randolph, Story, Tompkins, Up- 
shur, Van Buren, and Webster. 

Streets South of the Capitol— Anderson, Bainbridge, Chaun- 



325 m;\vk i!i. 

'ey, Decatur, Ellsworth, Farragut, Grant, Harrison, Jackson, Knox, Law- 
rence, Marion, Nash or Nicholson, Overton, Perry, Quitman, Rodgers, Scott, 
Taylor, Union, Van Ness and Warren. 

Parking. — The street parks and sidewalks of the city are 
generally planted with trees possessing the merits of state- 
liness and symmetry of growth, expansive foliage, early 
spring verdure, and variety of colors in autumn. 

The varieties used are the silver maple, American linden, European syca- 
more maple, American elm, tulip tree, sugar maple, sweet gum, red maple, 
Norway maple, negundo, American ash, buttonwood, oaks, and European 
ash and linden. The trees are usually planted 40 feet apart and properly cared 
tor. Certain varieties are confined to certain streets. The supply is kept up 
from the reserve Nursery on the banks of the Anacostia, S. of the Alms House, 
where there is constantly a stock of upwards of 20,000 plants from 2 to 9 feet in 
height. This parking adds vastly to the adornment of the capital. 

Quarters — The arrangement of the streets with respect 
to the Capitol divides the city into 4 sections. 

The Northwest Quarter constitutes the finest portions of the capital, embrac- 
ing the President's House, all the Departments and Foreign Legations, the 
principal business establishments and fashionable residences. The Southwest 
Quarter, formeily known as " the Island.'" from its separation from the rest of 
the city by the Washington Canal, now fi ed, is generally the quarter of per- 
sons of moderate means. In it are also the wharves. The. Northeast Quarter 
is the same as the SW. The Southeast Quarter, with a small portion of the 
ME., is known as " Capitol Hill," from the Capitol, which stands on the W. 
crow. It was intended, originally, co make this the finest portion of the city. 







-u^fl rffa ^^ - 



The Tiber Arch (outlet of Great Sewer). 

Sewers. — The cities of Washington and Georgetown, for 
ewerage and drainage, are divided into 5 sections. 

ist. Georgetown, embracing the limits of that city. 2d. Slash Run, beginning 
Mt the intersection of Rock Creek and K st. NW.; thence along K to 21st NW.; 
clone 21st to I st. N. : alone I to 17th W. ; along 17th to H st. N. • alone 



SEWERS. . 33 

H to 16th W.; along- ictli to I st. N. ; along I to 15th W.; 
along* 15th to Vermont av. ; along Vermont av. to 14th W. ; 
along 14th to Boundary; along Boundary to Rock Creek; 
along Rock Creek to beginning. 3d. The intermediate sec- 
tion, beginning at the intersection of Hock Creek and K st. 
NW. ; thence along Kto 21st NW. ; thence along 21st to I st. 
W. ; thence along I to 19th NW. to G st. NW. ; thence 
along G to the Potomac River ; along Potomac River and Rock 
Creek to the beginning. 4th. The intercepting section, be- 
ginning at the intersection of Potomac River and G st. NW. ; 
thence along G to 19th NW.; thence along 19th to I st. NW. ; 
along I to 17th ; along 17th to H st. N. ; along II to 16th W. ; 
along 16th to I st. N. ; along I to 15th W. ; along 15th to Ver- 
mont av. ; along Vermont av. to 14th W. ; along 14th to N 
st. N. ; along N to Vermont av; along Vermont av. to O st. 
N. ; along oTto 7th NW. ; along 7th to B st. N. ; along B to 
6th W. ; along 6th to B st. S. * along B to Potomac River; 
along Potomac River following the borders of stream to be- 
ginning. 5th. The Tiber Basin, beginning at intersection of 
Boundary and 14th st. W. ; along 14th to N st. N. ; along N 
to Vermont av. ; along Vermont av. to O st. N. ; along O to 
7th W. ; along 7th to B st. N. ; along B to 6th W. ; along 6th 
to B st. S. ; along B to Potomac River ; along Potomac River 
to the Anacostia; along the Anacostia to C st. NE.; along 
C to 15th E. ; along 15th to Boundary; along Boundary to 
beginning. 

The sewerage of the city formerly drained into the canal, 
which crossed the city from the Anacostia to the Potomac S. 
of the President's Grounds. From 3d to 15th st. W. it ran 
directly in front of the Capitol, and separated the beautiful 
grounds on the Mall from the rest of the city. This open mass 
of filth and disease was filled in 1872. 

The B-street Intercepting Server, 1 m. in length and 12 
ft. in diameter, was constructed in place of the canal. The 
main branch empties into the Potomac at the foot of 17th 
st. W. One of the largest sewers in the world is the Tiber- 
creek Sewer, so named from the stream which flows through 
it. It is a brick arch 24 to 30 ft. span, and 15 ft. high, and 
drains the entire city E of 6th st. W. — about 3,000 acres. Its 
outlet is at the Tiber arch, near the W. entrance to the Botan- 
ical Garden, on 3d st. W., into which the smaller branch of the 
intersecting or canal sewer from 7th st. W. empties. The line 
of this great sewer, from its mouth, passes under the Botan- 
ical Garden and Pennsylvania av. N. to E st. N. at its junc- 
tion with N. Capitol St., which it follows to K st. N. The 
portion from H to K st. is now under construction. The 
destination of this sewer is the Boundary, reached along K 
3 



84 SQUARES. 

st. N". to 1st st. E. ; thence by the latter. When completed, it 
will be 2 m. in length. Branch sewers of 9 ft. each are being 
built out from 3d st. NW. and F st. NE. From the Tiber 
arch a large sewer extends SE. The Slash-run Sewer, J m. 
long. 10 ft. span, named after the natural watercourses which 
enter the city in several branches on its NW. boundary, empties 
into Rock Creek. A 9-ft. conduit sewer is also being built 
along Boundary st., in the NE. part of the city, as supple- 
mentary to the Tiber-basin system. Small tile and pipe sew- 
ers convey the sewerage of streets and dwellings into the 
general system. There are about 10 m. of main sewerage, 
including 5 m. of brick sewers, from 4 to 9 ft. in diameter, 
and 80 m. of tile and pipe. 

Fqnares. — In addition to the grounds attached to the public 
buildings, and which will be described in that connection, 
there are a number of beautiful squares in various parts of the 
city. Those W. of the Capitol are — 

Lafayette Square, a parallelogram of 7 a., N. of the 
President's House, and between 15 \ and 16 \ sts.., frequently 
popularly known as Madison and Jackson sts., respectively, 
from the early residence of those distinguished gentlemen 
upon them. The broad av. extending to the N. is 16th st., 
the high ground at its terminus being Meridian Hill. From 
the President's Grounds on the S. it is separated by a broad 
av., which extends from 15th to 17th sts. This square is beau- 
tifully laid out in graveled walks with seats. It is adorned 
with trees and shrubbery, many of them rare and valuable 
species and in pleasing variety. It is lighted throughout 
with gas, two of the lamp-posts combining drinking foun- 
tains. A watchman's lodge, also partly for the public, stands 
on the N. side. The building is approached at either end by 
circular walks, screened by rows of evergreens upon each 
side and in front flower beds. Two bronze Vases 7 ft. high, - 
weighing 1,300 lbs. each, mounted on granite pedestals, stand 
on the E. and W. sides of the square. These are copies from 
an antique vase, and are the work of the brass foundry of the 
Navy Yard. They were cast with the permission of Mr. Robe- 
son, Secretary of the Navy, and reflect great credit upon the 
workshops of the Government. In the centre of this square 
is Clark Mills's equestrian statue of General Andrew Jackson, 
contracted for by the Jackson Monument Association, com- 
posed of the friends and admirers of the subject, who sub- 
scribed $12,000 for the purpose. In 1848 Congress granted 
to the Association the brass guns and mortars captured by 
the General at Pensacola. In 1850 an additional number of 
brass guns and national trophies, sufficient to complete the 



SQUARES. 



35 



statue, were donated by Congress. In 1852 Congress appro- 
priated funds for the erection of the marble pedestal upon 
which it stands, and in 1853 made a further appropriation of 
$20,000 for the statue itself, and made it the property of the 
United States. The statue is one third larger than life, weighs 




JACKSON EQUESTRIAN STATUE. 

15 tons, and cost, inclusive of the value of metal and the 
amount contributed by the Association, $50,000. The hind 
parts and tail of the horse being solid, the animal is poised, 
without the aid of iron rods or other devices as in the great 
statues of Peter the Great, George III, and the Duke of Wel- 
lington. This was the first application of this principle. The 
statue was unveiled in the presence of a large number of peo- 
ple, Stephen A. Douglas delivering the oration, on the 8th 
day of January, 1853, the anniversary of the battle of New 
Orleans, in which General Jackson routed the British forces 
under Sir John Packenham. 

McPherson Square. — On Vermont av., between I and 
K sts. N. and 15th st. W., 1-J acres, well laid out with 
walks and shrubbery, and adorned with composite iron 
vases and drinking fountains. In the centre is the bronze 



36 SQUARES. 

statue of Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson, killed near Atlanta, 
Ga., at the head of the Army of the Tennessee, July 22, 1864, 
erected by the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, Louis 
T. Robisso, of Ohio, sculptor Robert Wood & Co., of Phila- 
delphia, founders, heroic 14 feet high, horse 12 feet long, 
metal light bronze, being cannon appropriated by Con- 
gress, weight, 7,000 lbs. Cost, $23,500. 

The General is represented in the lull uniform of his rank, with slouch hat, 
holding his field glasses in his right hand, and surveying the field of hattle. 
Unveiled Oct. 18, 1876, amid an imposing military pageant, Gen. John A. 
Logan, orator. The superb pedestal, in five massive and appropriately decor- 
ated blocks of Virginia granite, cost $25,000, voted by Congress in 1875. 
It was proposed to place the remains of the General beneath the statue, 
and a vault was constructed for the purpose, but the removal, though approved 
by his family, owing to objections of the people of his native place, was not con- 
summated. 

Farragut. Square. — On Connecticut av., between I & K 
Sts. N., and 17th st. W., \\ a., beautifully laid out. It is 
proposed hereto erect the colossal statue of Admiral Farragut 
for which $20,000 was voted by Congress April 16, 1872. 

Scott Square. — At the intersection of Massachusetts and 
Rhode Island avs., and 16th st., due N. of Presidents 
House, 1 acre. Here stands the bronze Statue of Brevet 
Lieutenant General Winfield Scott ordered by Congress, 1867, 
erected 1874, H. K. Brown, of N. Y., sculptor, Robert Wood 
& Co., of Philadelphia, founders. Cast out of cannon 
trophies of the valor of the General in Mexico, and 
donated by Congress. Total height, 15 ft.; figure, 10 ft.; 
weight, 12,000 lbs* ; cost, $20,000. 

[See engraving, page 23.] 

The General is represented in the full uniform of his rank, mounted on a 
war charger, at rest, and surveying the field of battle. The. pedestal, of Cape 
Ann granite, stands 14 ft. high, is in five large blocks, total height with statue, 
29 ft. The platform is 26 ft. long, 13 ft. wide, and 2 ft. thick, and weighs 119 
tons, 1,197 lbs. ; sub-base, 20 ft. X 10 ft. X 1 ft.; 84 tons ; base, 17 ft. X 7 ft. X 
3 ft., 41 tons ; die, 15 ft. X 5 ft. X 5 ft-> 38 tons ; and cap, 17 ft. X 7 ft- X 3 ft., 

37 tons 1,500 lbs. Total 'weight of pedestal, 320 tons 697 lbs. When quarried, 
weighed 400 tons 621 lbs. These are the largest stones ever successfully quar- 
ried in this country, and among the largest in the world. Great difficulty was 
experienced in their removal to the seacoast, whence they were transported to 
the National Capital by sea. 



SQUARES. 37 

Franklin Square, between 13th and 14th sts. W. and 
1 and K sts. N"., comprises 4 a., and was purchased by the 
Government in 1829 in order to secure control of a fine spring, 
the waters of which, as early as 1832. were conveyed in pipes 
to the President's House and Executive offices. This water 
is still used for drinking- purposes at the President's House, 
it being considered better than that from the Potomac. The 
spring lies N". of the fountain, beneath two iron and stone 
covers, built in the arch constructed over the spring. It was 
not until 1851 that this square was laid out. In the centre is 
a small fountain, with a basin 30 ft. in diameter, and a keep- 
er's lodge, with other conveniences, near by. There are also 
several drinking fountains. The square is planted with a 
pleasing variety of ornamental trees and shrubs. 

Judiciary Square, on the original plan of t.he city, was 
designated reservation No. 9, and was set apart for the then 
contemplated buildings for the accommodation of the judicial 
branch of the Government. It comprises 19| a., and ex- 
tends on the S. from the intersection of Louisiana and Indi- 
ana avs., at the head of 4J st. W. to G st. N., and between 
4th and 5th sts. W. The S. portion, fronting on 4J st., is 
occupied by the City Hall. 

On the E. side, beyond E st., was erected the immense 
temporary wooden structure for the ball given in honor of 
the Second Inauguration of President Grant, March 4, 1873. 
In the jSTE. angle is the Jail. On the W. side, during the re- 
bellion, 1861-'G5, wooden buildings were erected for soldiers' 
hospitals, afterwards donated to the uses of the Women's 
Christian Association, but since removed. This square is 
being made one of the most attractive in the city. 

Kawlins Square, on New York av., SW.'of the Pres- 
ident's Grounds, between 18th and 19th sts. TV"., containing 
about 1^- a., is beautifully laid out, with walks, trees, ever- 
greens, and shrubbery. It has two small rustic fountains, 
with ornamental margins and centre-pieces of rock-w T ork. 
This square, prior to 1872, was a low, desolate waste. It was 
then filled 8 ft. to grade. In 1874 was erected there the heroic 
sized bronze statue of Brigadier General John A. Raiolins, of 
Illinois. Adjutant General and chief of staff to General IJ. S. 
Grant, 1864-'65, and Secretary of War, 1869. It was ordered 
bv Congress in 1872, executed by J. Bailey, of Pennsylvania, 
1873, cast by Robert Wood & Co.. of Philadelphia, Pennsyl- 
vania, cost $10,000, measures 8 ft. in height, and weighs 1,400 
lb". The Virginia granite pedestal, 12ft. high, cost $2,500. 

Mount Vernon Place, at the intersection of Massachu- 



38 CIRCLES. 

setts and New York avs. and K and 8th sts. NW., till 1871, 
was occupied on the E. half by the Northern Market. It is 
now beautifully laid out and planted. In the centre is a 
raised circular space, containing a bronze fountain. 

A short distance S. of Pennsylvania av., on the E. side 
of 6th st. W., is what is known as Circus Lot; that part of 
the reservation in which it is embraced being set apart for 
that purpose. The rents are contributed to charitable insti- 
tutions. 

There are other spaces in the W. portions of the city, but 
are without name. Of these is the wedge-shaped space, of 
about 4 a., between 3d and 4^ sts. and Missouri and Maine 
avs., lying W. of the Botanical Garden; and adjoining it, 
on the W., another area of 17£ a., which extends to 7th st. 
The W. portion is known as Armory Square, from being the 
site of the District Armory. Also one of £ a., N. of the 
Mall, at the intersection of Ohio and Louisiana avs. 

Lincoln Square. — On East Capitol st., 1 m. E. of the 
Capitol, 61 acres beautifully laid out. Here stands the 
bronze group entitled Emancipation, representing Abraham 
Lincoln, the 16th President of the U. S., standing by a 
monolith, and holding in his right hand the proclamation 
of freedom. A slave kneeling at his feet, with manacles 
broken, is about to rise. On his left is the trunk of a tree 
with lash and manacles strewn about. Thomas Ball, of 
, sculptor, 1874; Ferd. Miller, jun., Munich, 1875, foun- 
der. 12 ft. high ; weight 3,000 lbs., cost, $17,000. 

Erected by the Western Sanitary Commission of St. Louis, Mo., out of the 
funds contributed solely by emancipated citizens of the United States, declared 
free by the proclamation January t, 1863. The first contribution, $5.00, was 
made by Charlotte Scott, a freedwoman of Virginia, being her first earnings in 
freedom, and consecrated by her suggestion and request on the day she heard 
of President Lincoln's death, to build a monument to his memory. Unveiled 
April 14, 1876, the anniversary of his assassination, in the presence of the Presi- 
dent of the U. S., cabinet and foreign ministers, and a vast concourse of colored 
and white citizens. Frederick Douglass, orator. The pedestal of Virginia gran- 
ite, 10 ft. high, cost, $3,000, was voted by Congress. 

It was in this square, in the proposed original embellishment of the Capital, that 
the Historic Column was to be built, to serve also as a mile or itinerary column, 
jft-om which all geographical distances in the United States were to be calculated. 

Stanton Place lies NE. of the Capitol, at the intersec 
tion of Maryland and Massachusetts avs., and comprises 3£ a. 

A short distance S. of the Capitol, at the convergence of 
New Jersey, South Carolina, and North Carolina avs., is a 
large tract, originally laid out as Keservation No. 17. It 
contains 23J a., or, on the first maps, 21 a., and was set off 
as the site for the Town House or City Hall, but has never 
since been considered in that connection. It is still with- 
out improvement, though the subject has been called to the 
attention of Congress. 

There are other squares in the SE. parts of the city vacant 
and unimproved. 



ORNAMENTAL GARDEN I NG. 



39 



more mi- 




WASHINGTON EQUESTRIAN STATUE. 



Circles. — The space at the intersections of the 
portant avenues forms what are termed circles. 

Washington Circle, 23d st. W., at the intersection of 
Pennsylvania and New 
Hampshire avs., con- 
tains the Equestrian 
Statue of GeneralGeorge 
Washington, by Clark 
Mills, ordered by Con- 
gress in 1853, cost $50,- 
000, and was cast out of 
guns donated by Con- 
gress. 

It represents Washington at 
the crisis of the Battle of Prince- 
ton, the horse shrinking before 
the stcrm of shot and the din of 
conflict, while the rider preserves 
that equanimity of bearing native 
to his great character. 

The Fourteenth- 
street Circle, at the 
intersection of Massa- 
chusetts and Vermont 
ave., is chastely laid out in walks, and planted with ever- 
greens, shrubs, and flowers. In the centre is a rustic fountain, 
with a Scotch terra-cotta foundation-bowl and rustic stone 
centre-piece, and in different parts of the circle are rustic stone 
and wooden seats. A short distance beyond, on Vermont av., 
at the intersection of Khode Island av., is the Thirteenth- 
street Circle, as yet without particular improvement. 

P-STREET Circle, at the intersection of Connecticut, Mas- 
sachusetts, and New Hampshire avs., is laid out in walks and 
lighted. 

It is designed to erect in this circle a fountain 50 ft. in diameter, with coping and 
centre-piece of handsome design in marble or granite. A fine selection of evergieens 
and trees will also be planted. 

The terminus of Pennsylvania av., on the Anacostia, widens 
into a semi-circle of nearly 5 acres, as yet but little improved. 

Triangles. — At the intersection of the avenues and streets 
are small spaces designated Triangular Reservations. Many 
of these E. and W. of the Capitol are planted with trees and 
shrubs, and are further beautified with small fountains. 

Birds. — A flock of imported sparrows was set at liberty in the public grounds in 
1871, for the destruction of insects. Each year new cages are placed in the trees 
for the accommodation of their increased numbers. These useful birds are fed reg- 
ularly every morning during the winter in Franklin, Lafayette, and other squares. 

Ornamental Gardening. — In 1851 A. J. Downing, the cele- 
brated landscape gardener, was employed by the Government 



40 engineer's office. 

to lay oat the public parks and reservations. The grounds 
of the President's House were to be extended to the line of 
the Washington Canal, now B st. 1ST., and to be laid out with 
a circular parade-ground, lined with trees in the centre. A 
carriageway, by means of a suspension bridge, was to con- 
nect the S. Park of those grounds with the Mall, near the 
Washington Monument. A drive was to follow the Mall 1o 
the Capitol. The Mall itself was to be beautifully adorned 
with lawns, walks, drives, trees, and shrubbery. Lafayette, 
Franklin, and the other squares were to be laid out by the 
same person. The admirable schemes of improvement con- 
templated by this truly artistic gardener were suddenly in- 
terrupted by his death in 1852. During the single year of 
his service he prepared a general plan for the laying out and 
beautifying of the public grounds. This, in a great measure, 
has been carried out by his successors. In the Smithsonian 
Grounds may be seen a beautiful Vase, erected by the Amer- 
ican Pomological Society to the memory of Downing. A 
description of this tribute to his genius will be found in its 
appropriate place. 

Previous to this the attempts at the appropriate laying out 
and planting of the public parks were both crude and spas- 
modic. In 1826, more than a quarter of a century after the 
Government had made the city its permanent seat, there 
were no public walks, save the dusty avenues. In 1831 the 
grounds around the Capitol and President's House were still 
in the unkempt condition of nature unadorned. In 1832 the 
old Treasury Building was enclosed. The next year the 
pedestal wall and railing were placed in front of the Park of 
the President's House, and the S. Park, near the mansion, wa~ 
planted with trees. In 1834 the foot and carriageway were 
completed. In 1835 Lafayette Square was improved and 
planted, and supplied with lamps. In 1837 the W. Park oi 
the Capitol Grounds was extended to take in part of the Mall 
from the circular road around the building to 1st st. W., mak- 
ing an addition of 8 a. The park was walled in and the grounds 
laid out in walks and supplied with fountains. In the same 
year the President's Grounds were in more creditable condi- 
tion. In the S. park, towards the then line of the canal, it was 
proposed to lay out an extensive fish-pond, to supply the Presi- 
dent's table with fish. The public grounds, an eyesore to 
the community and a reflection upon the tase and liberality 
of Congress, were again neglected. 

0filC8, Eng'Tl^er in Charge. — In 1871 a system of improvements was 
inaugurated by Major O. E. Babco^k, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A., in_ charge of 
Public Buildings, Grounds, and Works. Congress annually appropriates from 
$100,000 to $300,000, to be expended under the Engineer's office, for salari-*, 



BOTANICAL GARDEN. 



41 



the improvement and care of the public grounds not otherwise specially assigned; 
repairs and refurnishing the President's House, green-houses, and for fuel ; light- 
ing the Capitol, President's House, and public grounds ; and construction and re- 
pairs of all bridges on the Potomac and Anacostia, and repairing and extension of 
Government water-pipes. 

Propagating Garden. — The Government Propagating Gar- 
den, originally on Missouri av., between 3d and 4£ sts. W., 
is beautifully situated on the banks of the Potomac, S. of the 
Washington Monument. The garden covers 8 a. The forc- 
ing houses are supplied with apparatus for the propagation 
and growth of plants of the rarest species and varieties. In 
1S72, from the old garden, upwards of 20,000 papers of flower 
seeds were collected and cured. These, with surplus plants, 
sometimes numbering upwards of 10,000, consisting of roses, 
chrysanthemums, verbenas, geraniums, begonias, and other 
hot-house annuals and shrubs propagated at these gardens, 
w r ere distributed to members of Congress, and others notified 
by circular letter that such stock was ready. A Nursery is 
connected with the garden, in which trees and shrubs are 
grown for the supplyof the public parks. 




Copyright, 1ST4: L'eU. R. Keim. 

BOTANICAL GARDEN AND GREEN-HOTJfcSE. 

Botanical Garden. — Open daily, 9 a. rn. to 6 p. rn. — This 
instructive place of public resort is situated at the foot of Capi- 
tol Hill, extending from 1st to 3d sts. W., and between Penn- 
sylvania and Maryland avs. There are two main entrances for 
pedestrians, one opposite the main central W. gate of the Cap- 
itol Park and the other on 3d St., opposite the E. end of the 
Drive. Each entrance consists of four marble-and brick gate 
piers, with iron gates. No wheeled vehicles are permitted in 
the garden. The avenues diverging from the W. Capitol Park 
give the garden a wedge-shape, the narrower end facing the 
W. front of the Capitol. It comprises 10 a., surrounded by 



42 BOTANICAL GARDEN. 

a low, brick wall, with stone coping and iron railing, and is 
laid out in walks, lawns, and flower-beds. N. of the Main 
Conservatory is a large fountain, with 9 main jets and a mar- 
ble basin 93 ft. in diameter. The fountain is supplied from 
the Acqueduct, and throws its highest stream to an altitude 
of 65 ft. This fountain in full play presents a beautiful ef- 
fect, especially when reflecting the rays of the sun. S. of 
the Conservatory is a smaller fountain, with a granite basin. 
During the summer the hardiest plants, in boxes, are ranged 
on either side of the main walk, and contribute materially to 
the beauty of the garden. 

The Main Conservatory, commenced in 1867 from designs 
by Mr. Clark, Architect of the Capitol, consists of a central 
dome and two wings. The base is of marble and the super- 
structure iron. The entire length is 300 ft., greatest width 
60 ft., height of dome 40 ft., and wings 25 ft. The dome is 
supported on a brick column, which answers the double pur- 
pose of being a chimney also. Around this column winds an 
iron, spiral staircase, which leads to a cupola surrounded by 
a balustrade. From this point the finest view of the W. front 
of the Capitol may be obtained. The key is kept by the Su- 
perintendent. There are 10 smaller Conservatories, of brick 
and wood, in one of which is a Lecture or Botanical Class- 
room, with accommodations for 100 students. The latter fea- 
ture contemplates the appointment of a Professor of Botany 
by the colleges of the capital to hold lectures here. All the 
conservatories are heated by hot water, conducted in iron 
pipes, supplied from 5 boilers. Three of the boilers are in the 
vaults under the pavement of the dome of the Main Conser- 
vatory. The object of the garden is education and the dis- 
tribution of rare plants. For the latter purpose there are 4 
conservatories devoted to propagation. All seeds are saved. 
The garden is under the control of the Joint Committee of 
Congress on the Library. Each member of Congress, on ap- 
plying to the chairman of the committee for plants or seeds, 
is supplied, if practicable. Boquets are frequently obtained 
in the same way. 

Botanical Collection. — The first collection of plants in 
this National Conservatory was brought to the United States 
by the Exploring Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere, 
1838-'42, commanded by Captain (Rear Admiral) Charles 
Wilkes. The collection was first deposited in the Patent 
Office, but in 1850 was removed to the Botanical Garden. 
Some of the plants are still living, and a large share of the 
present collection are the descendants of those brought back 
by the Wilkes Expedition. A few have f urnished represent- 
atives for many of the principal conservatories of the United 
States and Europe. 



BOTANICAL GARDEN. 43 

The disposition of the collection is according to a geograph- 
ical distribution. The strictly tropical plants occupy the cen- 
tre Conservatory, and those of a semi-tropical nature, requir- 
ing protection and lying towards the N. pole, are r>laced in 
the W. range and wing; and all indigenous to countries 
lying towards the S. pole are in the E. range and wing. 

The Centre Building or Rotunda, temperature 80°, contains 
a line variety of the majestic palms, called by Martins the 
princes of vegetation, and of which there are 300 kinds, the 
most prominent being here represented. The most interest- 
ing in the collection is the palm tree of Scripture, familiarly 
known as the date palm. Jericho, the City of Palms, was 
so called from the numbers of this tree growing in its vicin- 
ity. It was recommended to be used by the Jews in the 
Feast of Tabernacles. In Arabia, Egypt, and Persia it sup- 
plies almost every want of the inhabitants. The fruit is 
used for food, the leaves for shelter, the wood for fuel, and 
the sap for spirituous liquor. It matures in 10 years and 
then fruits for centuries, bearing from 1 to 300 cwt. at a 
time. Among the Arabs the pollen dust is preserved from 
year to year, and at the season of impregnation of the pistils 
or female flowers a feast called "Marriage of the Palms" is 
held. It is a singular historical fact, that the date palm of 
Egypt bore no fruit in the year 1800, owing to the presence 
of the French army in the country, which prevented the an- 
nual marriage feast. 

Among the other plants in this portion of the Conservatory 
are the fan, royal, ratan, sago of Japan and China, Panama 
hat, oil, wine, coco de Chili, sugar, and cradle palms; the 
East India bamboo; the tree fern, from New Zealand ; as- 
trapea, from Madagascar ; screw pine of Australia, with its 
cork-screw leaves and roots in mid air; the cinnamon of 
Ceylon ; maiden's hair fern ; mango, a delicious fruit of the 
West Indies; and banana, that most prolific of all plants; 
the great stag and elkhorn ferns from Australia, (very fine 
specimens,) and the dumb cane of South America. The sap 
of the root of the latter will take away the power of speech. 
Humboldt, during his explorations in South America, was 
eight days speechless from tasting it. The outer circle of 
the rotunda is devoted to the smaller tropical plants. 

The E. range, temperature 50°, and wing, 40°, are de- 
voted more particularly to the plants of the South Sea Islands, 
Brazil, Cape of Good Hope, Australia, and New Holland. 
The principal specimens are the tree fern of New Zealand ; 
the aloe and the Caffre bread tree from the Cape of Good 
Hope ; the India rubber, the passion flower, the caladium, of 
Brazil; Norfolk Island pine of Australia, one of the most 



44 BOTANICAL GARDEN. 

beautiful and largest-growing trees in the world ; the queen 
plant, or bird of paradise flower, from its resemblance to the 
plume of that bird ; the tutui, or candle-nut tree, from the 
Society Islands, the nut being used by the natives for lighting 
their huts ; the coffee plant, and several varieties of cactus. 

To the W. range and wing, temperature same as E., the 
plants of China and Japan, the East and West Indies, and 
Mexico are assigned. The most notable plants here are the 
cycadaceae, of the East Indies, the largest in the country; 
the four-century plant ; the camellia japonica, or Japan rose ; 
the lovety lily of Cuba; the historic papyrus antiquorum, or 
paper plant, of Egypt; the tallow and leechee trees of 
China ; the guava, a delightful fruit of the West Indies ; the 
vanilla of Mexico, the species which furnishes the aromatic 
bean ; the black pepper from the East Indies ; the sugar cane, 
the cheramoyer, or custard apple, and cassava of the West 
Indies ; the sensitive and the humble plants ; the American 
aloe, or century plant, of Mexico ; the camphor tree from 
Japan ; the tea plant ; the papay, an Oriental tree, which has 
the property of rendering the toughest meat tender ; a plant 
of the adansonia digitata, or monkey bread, which grows on 
the banks of the Senegal, and reaches the enormous circum- 
ference of 100 ft. They are supposed to attain the age of 
5,000 years. They have many uses. Humboldt pronounces 
them the oldest organic monuments of our planet. There is 
-also a specimen of the carob tree of Palestine, sometimes 
called St. John's bread. The pulp around the seed is sup- 
posed to have been the wild honey upon which St. John 
fed in the wilderness. There are other interesting speci- 
mens of the vegetable kingdom, including a pleasing variety 
of climbing plants. The arrangement of the exotics in the 
Central Conservatory presents the appearance of a miniature 
tropical forest, with its luxuriant growth of tree and vine. 
Until recently the Conservatory was in possession of a speci- 
men of the bohan upas tree, of which such fabulous stories 
have been told. Each wing of the Conservatory is supplied 
with a fountain. In the W. range is a vase, brought from 
St. Augustine, Florida, and taken from the first house built 
on the North American continent within the present limits 
of the United States. A fine specimen of maiden's hair fern 
grows in the vase. 

The outside conservatories are generally used for propaga- 
tion. One, however, is specially devoted to camellia japo- 
nica, and another to that curious growth, the orchids or air 
plants. The botanical collection received some valuable con- 
tributions from the expedition of Commodore Perry to Japan. 
The supply is kept up by propagation and purchase, and at 



LIGHTING OF THE CITY. 4f> 

rare intervals by scientific or exploring expeditions of the 
United States. 

Superintendents of the Botanical Garden. — 1850-1852, W. 
D. Breckenridge; 1852, William R. Smith. 

History. — The design of the projectors of the city contem- 
plated the location of a botanical garden upon one of the 
extensive reservations which had been set apart for public 
purposes. In 1798 there was considerable discussion as to its 
location. A deputation waited upon the Commissioners of the 
city and urged the S. Park of the President's Grounds, but as 
the object was the enjoyment of the public, it was seen fit to 
establish it in its present desirable situation near the Capitol. 
The topography of the ground, however, was most uninvit- 
ing. The Tiber flowed across one end of it, and most of it 
was low and marshy, and exposed to the ebb and flow of the 
tides in the Potomac. There is a tradition that it was the 
early execution ground of the city, and that no less than Ave 
criminals were hanged there. In 1822 the Botanical Society 
of Washington was incorporated by Congress. The society, 
prior to its incorporation, through the individual efforts of 
those interested in botanical researches and investigations in 
the District of Columbia, had prepared a full list of plants, 
and as early as 1817 had arranged them according to the Lin- 
nnsan classification and the more fashionable arrangment of 
Jussieu. The grounds assigned to the society were the same 
now used by Congress for that purpose. Under the auspices 
of the society the marshy portions were dredged and con- 
verted into a small lake, into which the tide continued to ebb 
and flow. A few of the native trees were planted, consisting 
of fine oaks, buttonwoods. gums and persimmons. The 
only vestige remaining of these primitive efforts at a botan- 
ical garden are two post oaks. After the discontinuance of 
the society the garden was used as a deposit for rubbish. In 
1850 the representative management was assigned to the 
Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. The first 
buildings were then erected, and the office of Superintendent 
created. This post was first filled by W. D. Breckenridge, 
who had been horticulturist and botanist to the Wilkes Ex- 
pedition. A systematic course of improvement was inaugu- 
rated out of the annual appropriations by Congress, begin- 
ning with the filling of the entire grounds to a depth of 5 to 
6 ft. 

Lighting of the City.— The lighting of the city is entirely 
by private companies. The first of these was incorporated in 
1848. In that year Congress made an appropriation of $2,000 



46 



STATUES. 



for paying the Washington Gas Company for lighting the 
Capitol and Capitol Grounds, to include fixtures ; for laying 
pipes from the main pipe at the Capitol to the foot of 15th st. 
W., on both sides of Pennsylvania av., and for 100 lamp- 
posts and lamps and other necessary fixtures. This was the 
first use of gas in the city. In the same year gas was also 
first introduced into the President's House. It has since 
grown into general use. The Government provides for the 
lighting of all public buildings and grounds, and the District 
for avs. and sts. 

Statues. — The statues in the public parks contribute 
greatly to the adornment of the capital. A description of 
each will be found with the grounds in which placed. 




The Washington Aqueduct (Jarvis). 

Water Supply.— The water of the city is carried from the 
Great Falls of the Potomac, by the Aqueduct, a distance of 
12 m., to a Distributing Reservoir^ 2 m. from Rock Creek and 
4 J m. from the Capitol. The daily supply is 30 million galls, 
and consumption 17 million galls., or 127 galls, to each per- 
son—the largest of any city in the world. The full capacity 
of the Aqueduct is 80 million galls. A description of this 
remarkable work will be found in another part of this Hand- 
book. 

In the effluent screen well at the distributing reservoir are 
laid four 48-in. mouth-pieces for the supply of the city. Three 
of these are reduced in the pipe-vault to 36-in., 30-in., and 
12-in. Leaving the vault these three mains run parallel across 
the country to a small stream known as Foundry Branch. 



WATER SUPPLY. 47 

Near this point they strike the road along the Chesapeake 
and Ohio Canal, which they follow through Bridge and Aque- 
duct sts., Georgetown, to Kock Creek, a distance of 2 m. On 
the way the 30 and 12-in. mains cross College Pond, over an 
arch of*120 ft. span, composed of two 30-in. pipes. The 36-in. 
main is laid in the bottom of the creek. At liock Creek two 
of the three mains are joined, so that the water is conveyed 
through two 48-in. pipes, which form an arch of 200 ft. span 
across that stream. These arches also sustain a roadway for 
a horse railway and general traffic between the cities of 
Washington and Georgetown. At the E. end of the bridge 
the three mains are resumed, and following Pennsylvania 
av. E., the 36-in main, laid by the District, enters L st. N., 
following it to New Jersey av.; thence by that avenue, in a 
30-in. main, to Massachusetts av. and B st. N.; thence, in a 
20-in. main, to 11th st. E., where it terminates; the 30-in. 
main, laid by the United States from Kock Creek, leaves 
Pennsylvania av. at the Washington Circle, following K st., 
Massachusetts and New Jersey avs. to B st. 1ST., and thence 
is continued in a 20-in. main through B st. N. to 11th st. E. 
A branch from this main supplies the Botanical Garden, 
Smithsonian and Arsenal Grounds. The 12-in. main, laid by 
the United States from Kock Creek, follows the line of Penn- 
sylvania av. and 8th st. E., thence to the Navy Yard wharf, 
on the way passing around the Capitol Grounds by A st. N. 
and 1st st. E. Distance. 4f in.; or 6f m. from the reservoir. 

These mains supply all the public buildings and fountains, 
besides the daily consumption of the city. The branch pipes 
for the latter are laid at the expense of the District. By law 
the water-rates are regulated to cover the expense of laying- 
new pipes and keeping old ones in repair, but cannot be a 
source of revenue. 

The total length of Distributing Pipes, Nov., 1873, was 
132.69 hi., of which 16.89 were laid by the Washington Aque- 
duct, 10.41 m. by the late corporation of Georgetown, and 
105.3 m. by the City of Washington. The pipes are supplied 
with stop-valves and attachments. There are also upwards 
of 500 fire-plugs ; also drinking fountains, hydrants, taps, and 
water-services, water-meters, &c. 

A tax of f of 1 cent, per square foot is assessed upon all 
property which binds or touches upon any street in which a 
main water-pipe has been laid. There is also an annual fire- 
plug tax on all buildings situated within 500 ft. of any main 
pipe, the owners or occupants of which do not pay an annual 
water-rate or tax. The annual revenues are about $150,000. 

In founding the capital, it was proposed to utilize the 
springs within the city, and the Tiber, which entered from 



48 THE HARBOR. 

the 1ST. The elevation of the source of the latter was 236f 
ft. above title. Its water was to be carried to the Capitol. 
After also supplying- the E . part of the city, the excess was 
to be conducted to the W. front of the Capitol, and form the 
proposed Cascade, to have a fall of 20 ft. and width of 50 ft. 
into a reservoir below. Thence the water was to be distributed 
into three falls across the W. Park, the Botanical Garden, 
and the Mall. In 1832 one of the earliest efforts in this direc- 
tion was to convey the water of Smith's Spring, 2J miles N. 
of the Capitol and 30 ft. above its base, in pipes to the reser- 
voir in the E. Park, and from thence into the building. The 
surplus was conducted under the building, and feeds the foun- 
tain in the W. Terrace. In 1836 Congress purchased this 
spring and 1 acre of land adjoining, and enclosed it. In 1837 
a scant supply was carried in pipes from the reservoir in the 
E. Park along the 1ST. side of Pennsylvania av. to the Treas- 
ury Department, and subsequently to the General Post Office . 
In 1832 the spring in what is now Franklin Square supplied 
the President's House and " public offices." It does the same 
now, though the Aqueduct water has also been introduced. 
At the same time a new spring at K and 13th sts. NW. was 
opened, and carried a supply of 60 gallons a minute to the 
vicinity of F and 13th sts. NW. Also pipes were laid from 
a spring on New Jersey av., S. of the Capitol, and from an- 
other just W. of the Navy Yard, which supplied the SE. sec- 
tion of city near the Anacostia. Over half a century elapsed 
before the Aqueduct was built. 

Fountains. — In the public parks and squares are a number 
of fountains, some of which, though not elaborate in design, 
contribute greatly to the beauty of the city. The largest is 
in the Botanical Garden. There are also line ones N. and 
E. of the President's House and N. of the Treasury Depart- 
ment. The latter consists of an immense granite urn, in a 
basin of the same material, with side outlets formed of lions' 
heads. In Mount Vernon Place is another, with a bronze 
centre-piece. There are many of smaller dimensions. The 
first public fountain was erected in 1810, by the corporation 
and voluntary subscription, and bore the inscription, "By 
the Mayoralty. Kobert Brent, Esq." 

The Harbor. — In front of Washington the Potomac, re- 
leased from the hills above Georgetown, expands into a broad 
lake-like river. 

The Potomac River rises in the Alleghany Mountains, and 
after a course of 400 m. empties into the Chesapeake Bay. 
At its confluence with the bay it is 7£ m. wide, and in front 



THE HARBOR. 49 

of Washington 1£ m., with 18 ft. of water. The Anacostia 
at its month is nearly as wide as the main stream, and is 
fully as deep. Salt water reaches to within 50 m. of the city. 
The average tide at the Navy Yard is 3 ft. 

The Harboi of Washington consists of a channel extending 
from Greenleaf 's or Arsenal Point, the upper point at the 
junction of the Anacostia and Potomac, to the foot of 17th 
st. W., a distance of f m., and also a small channel in the 
Anacostia. 

The Potomac Channel has an average width of 400 ft. up 
to Maryland av. or Long Bridge, between the depths of 6 ft. 
at mean low water, and narrows to 250 ft. at the Arsenal 
wharf. The greatest depth to the lower wharves at 6th st. 
S W. is 11 ft., and to Maryland av. 8 ft. Above Long Bridge 
this channel gradually shoals, and is lost in the flats off 
17th st. 

The Anacostia Channel has an average width of 350 ft. T 
between the depths of 6 ft. on either side, and narrows to 
250 ft. The greatest depth to the Navy Yard is 14 ft., and 
1 m. above is but 6 ft. 

The Harbor of Georgetown consists of a depression in the 
bed of the Potomac, lying between the town front on the left 
bank and a small portion of the right or Virginia bank and 
Analostan Island, near the same bank. This harbor has an 
average width of 800 ft., with an average depth of 25 ft. at 
mean low water. The depth over the bar in the main chan- 
nel of the Potomac just below this harbor is but 10 ft. at 
mean low water. This depth has been increased to 15 ft. by 
dredging. 

The Main Channel, starting at the harbor of G-eorgetown, 
runs between Analostan Island and Easby's Point, the S. end 
of 27th st. W., along the bank of the river to the W. end of 
Long Bridge, and thence to Geisborough, or the lower point 
of trie mouth of the Anacostia. Off this it joins the channel 
of the Anacostia and that from the Potomac front of Wash- 
ington. Here the three unite, and form the broad channel, 
which extends down the main river. The length of the main 
channel from the canal aqueduct at Georgetown to deep 
water at Geisborough Point is 4f m. The depth at mean 
high water at the shoalest place in the Potomac below Wash- 
ington is 22 ft. Between the main channel of the Potomac 
and the shore lying between 17th and 27th sts. W. lies an 
expansive marsh of about 1,000 a., known as the flats, and 
mostly covered with a rank growth of water-grass. One third 
is clear at low water, and the remainder is covered from 1 to 
4 ft. It is stated by the engineers who have made a survey 
4 



50 COMMERCE. 

that these deposits increase yearly as the shores above are 
cleared of forest. 

Wharves and Canal.— The wharves of the city along the banks of the 
Potomac, at the foot of 17th st. W., are used by wood and sand craft; 7th st. 
W., by steamboats and schooners; and on the Anacostia, W. of the Navy-yard, 
for wood, lumber, coal, stone, sand, and other articles brought to the Washing- 
ton market. During the building of the city, the Acquia Creek stone for the 
Capitol was landed on the banks of the Tiber, about where the Potomac Gar- 
den now stands. The stream was deepened, so that with the aid of the tide flat 
boats could ascend. 

For the convenience of the wood, coal, and sand-boats, and other small craft 
destined for the city, fames Creek, which enters the Anacostia immediately E. 
of the Arsenal, in 1875 was dredged to a depth of 8 ft. at low-water mark, and 
widened to 60 ft. as far as Virginia av. at its intersection with S. Capitol st. 
The old Washington Canal, which connected the Anacostia at the foot of 2d 
st. E. with the Potomac at the foot of 17th st. W.. commenced in 1791 and fin- 
ished in 1837, has been filled, and a covered sewer built in its place. 

Commerce. — The improving the ?iavigation of the Potomac and the 
construction of a canal to the head-waters of the Ohio, were enterprises co- 
eval with the founding of the capital. Alexandria, 7 m. below, already en- 
joyed a commerce with the cities and towns on the Chesapeake, along the Atlan- 
tic coast, and the ports of foreign lands. Georgetown, just above, also had a 
local trade of some importance. The introduction of steam on the Potomac 
took place shortly after its satisfactory application as a motive power in navi- 
gation. The Washington, Alexandria, and Baltimore Steam-packet Company, 
an earlier corporation, was succeeded by the Washington, Alexandria, and 
Georgetown Steam-packet Company, incorporated in 1829. The facilities of 
travel on the river and bay, and to points N. by the sea, by sail and steam, 
have at different times since been largely augmented. Merchant vessels belong- 
ing to the customs district of Georgetown, which includes Washington — 1872, 
sail 78, 2,081 tons ; steam 25,5,084^ tons; unrigged 309, 18,490^: total 412, 
25,656 tons. There is an extensive home trade on the Potomac River and 
Chesapeake Bay, and by Sea, with the cities on the Atlantic seaboard. The 
direct foreign trade is small, all imported goods being received through other 
ports. 

Harbor Improvement. — In 1872 a board of officers was appointed, under 
an act of Congress, with a view to the improvement of the channel of the river 
and the water fronts of Washington and Georgetown for commercial purposes, 
and the reclamation of the poisonous marsh opposite the city. The board re- 
ported three plans, that most favored proposing but one channel, of sufficient 
width and depth for all purposes ; a direct continuation of the river at George- 
town, to run along the right bank of the river as far down as Gravelly Point, 
and thence directly toward Geisborough Point on the left bank, joining the 
deep channel of the river at that point, following nearly the present main chan- 
nel of the river, and affording a frontage of 7 m. The channel, 23 feet deep, 
would be of sufficient width to enable the largest vessels to move with ease and 
free from danger of grounding, and also to discharge the heaviest freshets The 
great freshet of about 1852 swelled the river at the old Chain Bridge, just below 
the Little Falls, to a height of 43 feet above mean high water; at the Aqueduct 
Bridge, 10 ft. ; at the Arsenal, about 3 4-5 m. below, 4^4 ft. ; and at Alexandria, 
about 2/4 m - stn l lower down, 2% ft. The width of channel adopted for the 
Anacostia is 600 ft., with a depth of 23 ft. at mean low water at the Navy Yard 
Bridge. For the transhipment of coal from the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, 
in front of Georgetown, it is proposed to erect suitable docks and piers, to be 
continued by lines of bulkhead, including piers, the whole commencing at the 
NE. corner of High and Water sts., Georgetown, and extending along the 
entire Washington front on the Potomac and Anacostia to the outer end of the 
N. abutment of Anacostia Bridge. 

With these improvements Long Bridge would be reconstructed, with spans of 
not less than 200 ft., and a pivot-draw, with two openings of not less than 160 ft. 
clear in each, the bridge to be constructed for railroad and ordinary travel. The 
estimated cost of the whole work is $6,000,000; or less expensive materials, 
$4,000,000. Land reclaimed, 1023 a. ; time to complete, 4 yrs. 



1 Wih>t 
fill 1 




52 BRIDGES. 

It is proposed to remove the Naval Observatory, and use 
the earth for filling'. 

Extension of the City. — Long Bridge, to the water front, to 
be designated Railroad Avenue, would be laid out in a road- 
way 200 ft. wide, with space for rail-tracks in the centre and 
a carriageway on either side. The irregular space between 
Maryland av. continued to the water, Railroad av., and the 
bulkhead, including streets, 44 a., with 4 piers, to be re- 
served for railroad freight depots and workshops. The Mall 
would be extended W. to proposed Potomac av., would give 
an aggregate length of 2 T ^ m., and would form a magnifi- 
cent triple avenue, sweeping away in front of the W. fa- 
cade of the Capitol, by the side of which would tower the 
Washington Monument, and along which could be erected 
statues and monuments to the memory of the great men of 
the Republic. The general system of streets and avenues 
would be extended over the reclaimed ground outside of the 
Government reservations, 454 a., with the exception of Rail- 
road av., now Long Bridge and Potomac av., 200 ft. wide, to 
run the entire length inside the bulkhead. The street, 100 ft. 
wide inside the bulkheads, on the Anacostia front, called by 
the name of that stream, would run from the Arsenal to the 
Navy-yard. 

Bridges, — The-re are no fine bridges across the Potomac or 
Anacostia connecting Washington with the opposite shore. 
At the beginning of the present century there were four 
bridges : one across the Potomac into Virginia, and three 
across the Anacostia ; all owned by private companies. There 
are now the Long Bridge across the Potomac, which is also 
used for a railway, and the Navy Yard and Benning's, or the 
Upper Bridge, across the Anacostia. The Baltimore and 
Potomac Railroad Bridge also crosses the Anacostia above 
the Navy-yard. 

In 1809 a pile bridge, 1 m. long, with a draw on the E. and 
W. ends, was in use across the Potomac. The SW. end was 
destroyed in 1814, by order of the Government, during the 
presence of a foreign enemy. It was restored in 1816. In 
1832 the Government purchased it and built a new one, which 
was destroyed by ice in 1836. It was restored in 1838. In 
1850 it was proposed to build an iron or stone arched bridge, 
but after plans were submitted the matter dropped. The 
railroad portion of the present Potomac bridge was built in 
1872. The entire structure consists of a way for vehicles 
and pedestrians and for the track of the Washington and 
Alexandria Railroad. Near the Washington end is a small 
draw over the E . channel. From this point a causeway crosses 



BRIDGES. 53 

the marshes of the river to the Virginia channel, which is sur- 
mounted by a wooden structure, with a draw sufficient to ad- 
mit of the passage of the largest vessels. It was by this bridge 
that most of the vast armies of the United States marched into 
Virginia during the rebellion, 1861-'65. 

The Navy Yard Bridge across the Anacostia, from the 
the foot of 11 st. E., to Uniontown or East Washington, 
supplanted a wooden structure, built in 1819. It was over 
this bridge that Booth escaped after the assassination of 
President Lincoln. 

The new Wrought Iron Truss Bridge, erected under act of Congress, June 
22, 1874, and opened June, 1875, cost, $146,000. Has horizontal top and bot- 
tom chords, vertical posts of " Phoenix" columns, and diagonal tie rods, built by 
Clark, Reeves & Co., Phcenixville, Penn. ; is 1700 ft. long; roadway 20 ft. 
wide, and two side walks each 5 ft. wide; spans 102 ft. each ; one draw span 36 ft., 
with 30 ft. clear opening, 12 hydraulic cement piers, and 2 abutments of granite, 
gneiss and lime stone laid in regular courses ; 440 ft. of causeway. Free Bridge 

above is the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Bridge. 

The Chain Bridge across the Potomac at the Little Falls, 
4 m. above Washington, connecting the District of Columbia 
and Virginia, was built before 1811, and was a chain suspen- 
sion bridge. This name has always been retained, though 
several structures — the last a Howe truss bridge, partly car- 
ried away in 1870 — have since been demolished by ice gorges 
and freshets, which rise to 40 ft. The present wrought-iron 
truss bridge was ordered by Congress in 1872, built b5^ Clark, 
Beeves & Co., Phcenixville, Penna., was erected and opened 
in 1874. It is 1,350 ft. long, 20 ft. wide, 26 ft. high, and has 8 
spans, from 160 to 170 ft. each. The floor beams are 15-in. 
rolled iron; planking, 3-in. North Carolina Pine ; stands 30 
ft. over the main channel, and cost $100,000. The bridge 
rests on the old stone piers, raised 18 in., and is free. It is a 
very fine structure, and the country around is wild and ro- 
mantic and is well worthy of a visit. It is also visible from 
the aqueduct road. 

The other bridges within the District are Benning i> s, a 
wooden structure, \ m. above the Navy Yard, and the Aque- 
duct of the Alexandria Canal at Georgetown. 

Communication between Washington and Georgetown 
across Kock Creek is maintained by three bridges. The 
Pennsylvania-av. Bridge is a fine iron structure, consisting 
of an arch of 200 feet, formed by two 48-in pipes, used to con- 
vey the aqueduct water into the city, and upon which rests 
the roadway. The M and P-st. Bridges are also superior 
specimens of bridge architecture. The James Creek Canal, 
; n the SE. parts of the city, is spanned by iron and stone 
bridges. In the county stone culverts are used over natural 
watercourses. 



54 TELEGRAPHS. 

Street Kailwayg. —Since 1862, when first incorporated, these 
popular modes of city conveyance have been greatly extended. 
Two lines cross the city E. to W. and two N. to S., and from 
Pennsylvania av. on 15th st., opposite the NE. angle of the 
Treasury N., to the Boundary on 14th st. W., and another 
from the same point to the E . Boundary. New enterprises of 
this character are laid out or in course of completion. There 
are 45 m. of st. railway in the two cities and District, estimated 
on the basis of a single track. [See General Information.] 

Eailroads. — The capital is accessible by railway from all 
parts of the United States. Previous to the establishment of 
railways, the Government patronized the opening of wagon- 
roads and canals to carry all trade centering at the District 
into the city. A through road of communication across the 
Alleghenies was fostered and carried to completion. In 1828 
Congress authorized the railroad company incorporated by 
the State of Maryland to build a road from Baltimore to Wash- 
ington, to enter the District and city; Congress merely re- 
taining jurisdiction of the soil. This was the lirst effort to 
establish railway communication with the National Capital. 
A lateral branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad into 
Washington was authorized in 1831. By 1841 there were 
two trains, daily, each way, between Washington and Balti- 
more — time, 2\ hours. The incorporation of the Washing- 
ton and Alexandria in 1854. and the lateral branches of the 
Baltimore and Potomac in 1867, together with the extensions 
of the Baltimore and Ohio, have connected the National Cap- 
ital with the railroad systems of the E., N., W., and S. [See 
General Information.] 

Telegraphs. — In 1843 Congress appropriated $30,000, to be 
expended under the Secretary of the Treasury, for testing the 
capacity and usefulness of the system of electro-magnetic tele- 
graphs invented by Samuel F. B. Morse, of New York, for the 
use of the Government of the United States. In 1845 the line 
was completed between Washington and Baltimore. In 1846 
Congress ordered that the proceeds of the line be placed in 
the Treasury of the United States for the benefit of the Post 
Office Department, in the same manner as re venues from post- 
ages. From this beginning the present extensive system oi 
telegraphic communication began. The various lines are now 
owned by private corporations. The telegraph is now the 
principal means of conveying intelligence respecting the op- 
erations of the Government to the" people of the country 
through the newspapers. [See General Information.] 



SECTION III. 
PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS. 




HISTORICAL RETROSPECT. 

(HE Legislative and Executive branches of the 
'Government occupy buildings erected expressly 
for their accommodation. The co-ordinate, or Judi- 
cial branch, is yet without a structure of its own, 
though such provision for its accommodation w T as 
originally contemplated. The Capitol is devoted 
to the purposes of Congress, and affords limited facilities 
for the sessions and business of the Supreme Court of the 
United States and Court of Claims. The Executive, with 
its various departments, occupies a number of buildings. 
The public edifices used for these purposes are not only 
attractive in architecture, but are immense in proportions, 
and practically without limit in durability. They are all 
built of the best qualities of granite, marble, or freestone, 
with interior finish of brick, iron, and glass. In comparison 
with the buildings of other Governments, used strictly for 
governmental purposes, they are without an equal, and more 
frequently without a rival. 

The buildings occupied b3 7 the executive offices are desig- 
nated according to the nature of the executive business trans- 
acted in them. For instance, the Treasury Department con- 
tains the various offices under the direction of the Secretary of 
the Treasury. There is one exception, however : the building 
occupied by the Department of the Interior, which is known 
as the Patent Office, it having been erected to serve for the 
display of models. The Patent Office proper is but a bureau 
of the Department of the Interior. 

The increase of the Government business and the inad- 
equate accommodations afforded by the public buildings, 
commodious as they are, has necessitated, in a number of 
cases, the purchase or renting of private buildings in different 
parts of the city. 

The Department of Justice occupies the upper portion of 

55 



56 THE CAPITOL. 

the Freedmen's Bank building. Winder's building, origi- 
nally erected for a hotel, now owned by the Government, is 
used by several of the bureaus of the War Department. A 
number of the bureaus of the other executive offices are 
similarly provided for. 

The first edifices built for the accommodation of the exec- 
utive offices were the War Office, 450 ft. SW., and the Treas- 
ury, on a corresponding site SE. of the President's House; 
the former before and the latter after 1800. Both faced S. 
The War Office, now the Navy Department, was later trans- 
ferred to the new building on the N. In 1818 Congress au- 
thorized the erection of two new buildings 1ST. of those then 
standing. These were completed during the administration 
of President Monroe. The four structures were then desig- 
nated according to their location with respect to the Presi- 
dent's House; that is, the NE., SE., NW., and SW. Execu- 
tive Buildings — respectively State, Treasury, War, and Navy 
Departments. The site of the fiiv-t two is now occupied by 
the Treasury Department. The War and Navy Departments 
are still standing, but will shortly be removed, to make room 
for the new State, War, and Navy Department now build- 
ing. The first building, designed by George Hadfield, Archi- 
tect of the Capitol, formed the models for all. They were 
brick, originally 2 stories high, 120 to 160 ft. front, 60 ft. deep, 
and n G ft. high, with a freestone basement and Ionic portico. 
They were subsequently raised and otherwise modified. It 
was originally intended to have a passage between them and 
the President's House, but this was abandoned. The SE. 
building, or Treasury Department, was destroyed by fire in 
March, 1833. It then occupied temporary quarters on Penn- 
sylvania av. In 1836 the erection of a new Treasury Depart- 
ment, more suitable in design and dimensions, was com- 
menced on the site of the old. Before the business of the 
Government became so great, all the offices were accom- 
modated in the four buildings. The Patent Bureau then oc- 
cupied rooms in the NE., the Attorney General's Office and 
Indian Bureau in the NW., and the General Land Office in 
the SE. Executive Buildings. 



THE CAPITOL. 

The Capitol of the United States (open every day, except 
Sunday) stands on the W. brow of the plateau which forms 
the E. portion of the city. It may be reached from the more 
populous sections by street cars. Pennsylvania av., from 



APPROACHES. 57 

Georgetown, leads to one of the gates at the foot of the hill, 
below the W. entrance. From the President's Hou&e, by 
Pennsylvania av., the distance to the Capitol is 1£ m., and 
the same from the most remote of the principal hotels. The 
street cars pass in front of or close by all the hotels. 

Street Oars. — The Pennsylvania-av. (marked " Capitol") 
Street Cars, from the W., pass around the Capitol on the S., 
and by a branch track from S. B St., carry visitors to the 
SE. angle of the S. Extension, occupied by the House of 
Representatives. Strangers should be careful to take a car 
for the Capitol. Those marked "Navy Yard" run within a 
short distance of the same point. Those of the same line for 
the Baltimore and Ohio RR. Depot would leave them on the 
N. line of the grounds, and some distance from the building. 
The Metropolitan, or F-st Cars, by a branch track, land pas- 
sengers on the plateau at the NE. angle of the N. or Senate 
Extension. Strangers should be careful to take a car for the 
Capitol. The same line of cars to the E. parts of the city on 
E. Capitol st.. also pass near the same point. 

Site. — The Capitol occupies very nearly the centre of the plot 
of the city, there being 25 sts. E., 27 sts. *W., 22 sts. N., and 21 
sts. S. On a straight line, however, drawn from NW. to SE., 
it stands about £ m. towards the latter point. The great white 
Dome which surmounts the mighty pile, rising high in the 
air, is visible for miles around — indeed from every elevated 
point in the District. From it, as far as the eye can reach, 
may be seen rolling hills, broad valleys, and rivers. The E. 
facade of the building looks out upon the expansive plain of 
Capitol Hill, with a background of beautiful elevations, 
those on the right being beyond the Anacostia; the N. 
across a broad intervening valley to the wooded encircling 
hills of the city; the S. down upon the low grounds and 
sparsely settled portions of the city, with the broad Potomac 
and Anacostia mingling their waters in the distance ; the W. 
overlooks the business and official quarters, the lawns and 
groves of the Botanical Garden, the Mall, and the President's 
Grounds, and the wooded summit of University Square, with 
the shining domes of the Observatory and Georgetown Heights 
beyond. 

Approaches. — Broad avs. and sts., 11 in number, from 130 
to 160 ft. wide, radiate from the Capitol and constitute its ap- 
proaches as follows: E. front — to the NE. Maryland av., to 
the SE. Pennsylvania av., and to the E. E. Capitol St.; W. 
front — to the NW. Pennsylvania av., to the SW. Maryland 
av., and to the W. lie the Botanical Garden and Mall ; N. 



58 THE GROUNDS. 

front— NE. Delaware ay., NW. New Jersey av., to the N. 
N. Capitol St.; S. front— to the SE. New Jersey av., to the 
SW. Delaware av., and to the S. S. Capitol st. 

The Grounds. — The grounds surrounding the Capitol, en- 
larged in 1872-'3, by the purchase of squares 687 and 688, for 
$684,199.15, respectively in the 1ST. E. and S. E. angles form 
a parallelogram 1,800 ft. E. and W. and 1,250 ft. 1ST. and S., 
containing 51 J a. The Capitol occupies the centre, and with 
its massive porticos, broad steps and blockings, towering 
dome and columns, pilasters, entablatures, with architrave, 
frieze, and cornice, pediment and balustrade, is one of the 
most imposing structures in the world. 

In 1874, Congress, for the first time, took steps towards a 
creditable improvement of these grounds. A topographical 
survey was made, and Fred. Law Olmstead of New York, 
landscape architect, authorized to furnish plans. On June 
23, 1874, 8200,000 were appropriated to be expended under 
the direction of the architect of the Capitol. Mr. Olmstead, 
charged with the execution of the plans, was aided by John 
A. Partridge, engineer in charge, and Geo. Kent Radford, 
consulting engineer. 

The general features of the improvements are the continua- 
tion of East Capitol st., to connet with a broad paved carriage 
court, (Neuchatel pavement,) 300 ft. wide in front of the cen- 
tral portico. On either side is an undulating space of oval 
shape. On that portion facing the building is a seat with 
blue stone plinth, and base, Seneca back and blue stone coping 
and cap. The seat is divided into S spaces by piers of blue 
stone and Seneca, 3 ft. 4 in. high, surmounted by bronze 
lamps 12 ft. high. In front is laid a patent Mosaic pavement 
in colors. 

In front of the central portico stands 6 lamp piers 13 ft. 
3 in. high, blue stone base, with red sand stone band, and 
above, blue stone and polished Passamaquoddy (red) granite, 
in alternate courses, surmounted by bronze lamp posts, 12 ft. 
high, designed by Thomas Wisedell, of N. Y., east by Janes, 
of N. Y., 1874. In the rear, on either side of the main 
avenue, is a flower casket, base 40 by 30 ft., of blue stone 
and granite, and surmounted by a bronze vase, from which 
rises a spray fountain. Around each casket is a pavement 
similar to that in front of the seat. 

The plans yet to be acted upon for the West Park contem- 
plate a terrace 50 ft. wide, with supporting walls 10 ft. high. 
Opposite the central western portico an imposing double 
flight of steps will descend to a terraced walk, 40 ft. wide 



60 THE GROUNDS. 

and 1,000 ft. long, terminating in beautiful pavilions. Op- 
posite the main steps is another descent to the three main 
diverging- foot-ways. 

From the various converging avenues drives and foot ap- 
proaches lead into the grounds through appropriate entrances, 
to the carriage court and porte cocheres. At the Pennsylva- 
nia and Maryland avenue foot approaches, on the west, will 
be large fountains. In the northeastern space is the Sumner 
beech* so called in consideration of the Senator's admiration. 

In front of the central western projection of the portico is 
an oval basin, (78,827 galls.,) which receives the water from a 
white and blue marble fountain near by, erected in 1834, and 
fed from a covered reservoir under the carriage court at the 
head of the main avenue, East Park, supplied from Smith's 
Spring, 1£ m. jST. of the Capitol, just NE. of Howard Uni- 
versity, and purchased in 1832. In this basin, in 1814, stood 
the Naval Monument to the memory of the officers who fell 
in the Tripolitan war, 1804, now stands in the U. S. Naval 
Academy grounds at Annapolis, Md. 

In the E. Park is the colossal statue of George Washington, 
44 the father of his country," by Horatio Greenough, of Mass., 
ordered by Congress, 1832, for the Rotunda of the Capitol, 
made in Florence, Italy, was S years in completion, weighs 
12 tons, if erect would be 12 ft. high, and cost, including 
sculptor's work, freight, removals, and attendant expenses, 
$44,000; of this $5,000 were for transportation from the 
Washington navy yard to the Rotunda, about 1 m. The large 
size of the statue has occasioned considerable embarrassment. 
It was designed by Congress that it should be suitable to the 
interior of the Capitol. It was found entirely out of propor- 
tion there. Its final resting place is yet a matter of doubt. 

In the figure, the right hand points to heaven, and the left, advanced, holds a 
Roman short sword, the handle presented. Over the right arm and lower parts of 
the body falls a mantk. The seat is ornamented with acanthus leaves and garlands 
of flowers. The carvings in the back admits of a view of the back of the statue. A 
small figure of Columbus rests against the left arm of the seat, and of an Iadian 
against the right. In basso relievo on the right of the seat is represented Phaeton in 
his car, drawn by fleet steeds, allegorically, the rising sun, and the crest of the arms 
of the United States. On the left are represented N. and S. America, as the infant 
Hercules strangling the serpent, and Iphiclus on the ground shrinking from the con- 
test. The back of the seat bears the inscription, '•'•Simulacrum istud ad magnum 
Libertatis exemplum nee sine ipsa duraturum. HORATIUS GREENOUGH, Faciabat. 
(This statue is for a great example of Liberty, nor without Liberty will the exam- 
ple endure. Horatio Greenough, Sculftor.) The pedestal is 12 ft. high, and of 
solid blocks of New England granite. The inscriptions are: S. face, "First in 
Peace;" N., " First in War; " W., " First in the hearts of his Countrymen." A 
better effect for the statute, and particularly softening its necessarily coarse lines, 
would be secured by elevating the pedestal to a height of at least 25 tt. 

In 1840 a United States frigate was despatched by Congress to bring the statue to 
the United States. The hatches, however, were not sufficiently large to admit it 
into the hold. A merchant ship, the Sea, was chartered and altered to accommo- 
date the unwieldly mass. In 1841 it arrived and was placed in the rotunda of the 



THE (i ROUNDS. 



01 



Capilol. The 
main door was 
cut away to ad- 
mit it, and a pier 
of masonry e- 
rected beneath 
the pavement to 
support it. Here 
it was out of pro- 
portion, and in 
1S42 it was re- 
moved to the E. 
Park, where it 
stood for many 
years beneath 
an uncouth shel- 
ter of pine 
boards. The sta- 
tue, while ad- 
mired as a work 
of art, has been 
much criticised 
as a misconcep- 
tion of the char- 
acter in which 
the subject is 
held in the hearts 
of his country- 
men. A foreign 
writer has desig- 
nated it " a sort 
of domestic Ju- 
piter. " 

The Capitol 
originally stood 
on the declivity - IZsa 
of the hill, and 
on the VV. pre- 
sented a story 
below the base 
line on the E. 
To correct this 
defect and great- 
ly enhance the 
imposing ap- 
pearance of the 
structure, the 
semici rcular 
range of case- 
mates, utilized for fuel and storage, was constructed, the outer face forming a beauti- 
ful green glacis. The terre-plein is paved with Maryland Seneca stone, with an outer 
cap of New England granite. In 182S the terrace was connected with the building by 
the broad platform opposite the western projection, and the west door was cut through. 
In 1873 the iron railing which enclosed the grounds was removed to give place to an 
enlarged line of enclosure then purchased 

The configuration of the immediate eminence upon which 
the Capitol stands has been materially changed and beauti- 
fied by the hand of art. The original slopes have been mod- 
ified by terraces and slopes falling- to the level of the divergent 
avenues. There is also an enlarged line of enclosure, em- 




GREENOUGH S STATUE OF WASHINGTON. 



62 GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

bracing the acquisitions of additional ground. Outside of 
this runs a paved footvvalk, with heavy granite curbing, with 
handsome lamp-posts, on the line of the thoroughfare. The 
boundary streets are also paved and lighted. 

General Description The Capitol of the United States, 

as now completed, is unquestionably the finest and largest 
building of the kind on the face of the earth, and does credit 
to the skill of the architects and the taste of the nation. 
In durability of structure and costliness of material it is also 
superior to any other. The great edilices of the Old World 
are accumulations of a number of centuries. The Capitol 
of the United States is the stupendous work of less than 
a single century. The elevated seat, formed by nature and 
art, upon which the Capitol stands, is 89A ft. above ordinary 
low tide in the Potomac, 1 mile distant, and is admirably 
adapted to the display of its vast proportions and architecture. 
The entire length of the building is 751 ft., and the greatest 
depth, the breadth of the wings, 324 ft., including the porticos 
and steps. The ground-plan covers about 3 % acres. The struc- 
ture in detail consists of a main building and two extensions, 
with connecting corridors. The main or central building is 
352 ft. in length, and, exclusive of the W. projection, 121| 
ft. deep, with an E. central colonnaded portico 160 ft. wide, 
consisting of rows of monolithic Corinthian columns, 24 in 
number and 30 ft. high, exclusive of pedestals. The portico 
is elevated on a rustic basement, surmounted by an enriched 
entablature and pediment, the latter 80 ft. broad. Over this 
rises an attic stoiy, surmounted by the Dome, 135 ft. in diam- 
eter. In the rear and on either side of this main portico the 
edifice rests on a basement to correspond with that of the 
portico. Above this rises the order, two stories in height, 
with pilasters, an entablature, frieze, and surmounting bal- 
ustrade, carried out in the same architectural design. It is 
proposed, at some future day, to take down this portico, and 
extend the front of the central building E., to bring it at 
least on a line with the E. front of the two extensions, so as 
to perfect the architectural group. Between the original 
building and each of the extensions, which lie at the X. and 
S. ends of the building, is a connecting corridor of 44 ft. in 
length and 56 ft. depth, with four fluted columns on either 
front. Each extension has a front of 143 ft. facing the E. 
and W., and depth of 239 ft. along the N". and S.' facades. 
The latter is exclusive of the porticos and steps on the E., 
which correspond with the main building. 

The facades of each extension are embellished with porti- 
cos on three sides, those on the E. consisting of 22 fluted 



THE DOME. 63 

monolithic column?, in two rows, N. and S., and 10 on the 
W. ends, the columns facing" the N. and S. respectively con- 
stituting: the 1ST. and S. fronts of the building. The porticos 
of the N. and S. facades are 124 ft. front. 

The W. front of the main building- presents a central pro- 
jection of 83 ft. by 160 ft. front, with a recessed colonnade 
100 ft. in extent, consisting- of 10 coupled columns, elevated 
on a rustic basement, as the E. front, and rising, with its en- 
tablature and balustrade, to the roof, surmounted by a pan- 
eled screen or attic. The rest of the W. front is the same 
as the E. There are no steps on the W. front of the main 
building, it being entered from the upper terrace. The exten- 
sions stand on a foundation of granite, raised about 4 ft. on 
all sides ; the basement or ground floor is reached by granite 
steps. On the E. facade are three broad flights of steps, 
which lead to the commencement of the order. Beneath the 
basement is a sub-basement, visible only and accessible on 
the outside from the casemated terrace on the W. 

The material employed in the central building first erected 
is freestone, from the Government quarries at Aquia Creek, 
about 40 m. below the city, purchased by the Commissioners 
in 1791. This is painted, in order to conform in general ap- 
pearance with the wings, which are built of white marble, 
from Lee, Massachusetts. The marble columns of the exten- 
sions are from the quarries at Cockeysville, Maryland, about 
20 m. N. of Baltimore. 

The appropriations made hy Congress from 1800 to date 
for the erection, repair, and preservation of the Capitol 
amount to $13,000,000. 

The Dome. — Out of the centre of the main building rises 
the great Dome of the Capitol, designed by Walter, and which 
replaced a smaller one removed in 1856. It is of the follow- 
ing dimensions : 

Exterior Height — above the base line of the E. facade of the 
Capitol to the top of the lantern, 288 ft.; above the W. gate 
of the park, 360 ft.; above the balustrade of the building," 218 
ft.; statue of Freedom on the apex, 19 J ft. Total height from 
base line to crest of statue of Freedom, 307|ft. Total height 
above low tide in the Potomac, 397 ft. Diameter, 135-£ ft. 

The Dome rests on an octagonal base or stylobate, 93 ft. 
above the basement floor, and as it leaves the top line of the 
building consists of a peristyle, 124 ft. in diameter, of 36 iron 
fluted columns, 27 ft. high, and weighing 6 tons each. Above 
this is a balustrade. From the entablature of the peristyle 
to the attic is 44 ft. Above the balustrade begins the domi- 
cal covering. The apex is surmounted by a lantern, 15 ft. in 



64 



THE DOME. 



diameter and 50 ft. high, surrounded by a peristyle, and 
crowned by the bronze Statue of Freedom. Just below the 
lantern is a balustrade around the crowning- platform. The 
outer domical shell is pierced with glazed openings for the 
admission of light. In the lantern is a reflecting lamp, lighted 
by electricity, and used only when either or both Houses of 
Congress are sitting at night. This light is visible from all 
parts of the city. 
The Statue of Freedom, by Crawford, 1865, which sur- 
mounts the lantern of the Dome, rep- 
resents the figure of a female, the r. 
hand resting on the hilt of a sheathed 
sword ; the 1 . on a shield, and holding 
a wreath. The crest of the helmet con- 
sists of an eagle's beak, embellished 
with plumes of feathers. This head- 
gear was not the conception of the 
artist, but an after-suggestion. The 
original model represented a simple 
head-band, encircled with stars. The 
drapery of the figure is both chaste and 




striking. 



Over an inner garb is a f ur- 



STATUE OF FREEDOM. 



red robe, tastefully adjusted over the 
1. shoulder and falling over the 1. arm ; 
at the waist it is gathered in loose folds, 
and held by a brooch, bearing the let- 
ters U. S. The attitude of the statue 
exhibits in a striking degree the beauty 
of feminine grace with decision. The 
statue is 19J ft. high, and the weight of 
bronze 14,985 lbs., or 6 tons (2,240 lbs.) 
and 1,545 lbs. It was cast at Clark 
Mills' foundry at Bladensburg, 5 m. 
NE. of Washington, and cost $23,796. The statue stands on 
a bronze capping for the Dome, representing a globe, with 
an encircling zone, upon which are the words U E Plvribus 
Unum." The weight of iron used in the Dome is 8,009,200 
lbs., or 3,575 tons (2,240) 1,200 lbs. The Dome stands upon 
a substruction of masonry, which forms the foundation of the 
outside walls, and also upon 40 interior columns, which sup- 
port heavy arches, upon which rests the pavement of the 
Rotunda. The casting and erecting of the iron work of the 
immense structure was done by Janes, Beebe & Co., New 
York. There are two smaller domes and a number of lan- 
terns and skylights. The roof 'of the entire building is cov- 
ered with copper. 



PORTICOS. 65 

The following are the dimensions of the three greatest 
domes of Europe : 

St. Peter's, Koine, from the pavement to the base of the 
lantern, 405 ft. ; to the top of the cross outside, 458 ft.; ex- 
terior diameter of the cupola, 195| ft, ; interior, 139 ft. St. 
Paul's, London, England, to the top of the cross, 404 ft.; 
diameter, 112 ft. Hotel des Invalides, Paris, France, over 
the Tomb of Napoleon, 323 ft. 

It will be seen that the Dome of the Capitol of the United 
United States ranks fifth in height and fourth in diameter. 
The dome of the Cathedral of St. Isaac, at St. Petersburg, the 
National Church of Russia, is 363 ft. in height, and is also a 
magnificent structure, built of iron and bronze. 

Porticos. — The E. facade of the Capitol is broken by three 
grand porticos, reached by broad flights of steps, and from 
which open the three principal doorways. Beneath each of 
these porticos are massive vaulted carriageways to the base- 
ment entrances, the centre one of which opens into the Crypt. 
The main Portico, 160 ft. in length, consists of 24 monolithic 
columns, 30 ft. high. On the tympanum of the pediment is 
an allegorical group in alto relievo, by Persico, an Italian, 
representing the Genius of America. The principal figure, 
representing America, is of semi-colossal size, and standing 
on a broad unadorned plinth, holding in her hand a poised 
shield, with U. S. A. emblazoned in the centre of a ray of 
glory. The shield, which is oval, represents an ornamented 
altar, in the centre of which is a wreath of oak leaves, in basso 
relievo, encircling July 4, 1776. In the rear of the figure rests 
a broad spear, and at her feet an eagle, with partly-spread 
wings. The head of the figure is crowned with a star, and 
inclines towards the figure of " Hope," who is addressing her. 
The right arm of "Hope " is raised, and the left rests on the 
stock of an anchor, the hand grasping part of the drapery. 
The Genius of America, in reply to Hope, who is recounting 
the glory of the nation, points to the figure on the other side, 
which represents Justice, with eyes uplifted, and holding in 
the right hand a partly-unrolled scroll, on which is inscribed 
" Constitution of the United States," and in the left the scales. 
Justice has neither bandage nor sword, representing that 
American justice judges intelligently. The emblematic char- 
acter of the group suggests that, however Hope may flatter, 
all prosperity should be founded in public right and the pres- 
ervation of the Constitution. The execution of the work is 
excellent, but cannot be entirely appreciated from its raised 
position. All the figures are cut in sandstone, and 7£ ft. in 
height. The sculptor at first contemplated giving more 
5 



66 PORTICOS. 

nudity to the group, but being persuaded that it was con- 
trary to the sentiment of the people of the United States, went 
to the other extreme. The ascent to this portico is by an im- 
posing flight of freestone steps, flanked on either side by mas- 
sive buttresses. On the S. buttress stands a semi-colossal 
group of statuary by Persico, an Italian, 1846, representing 
the Discovery of America, in a figure of Columbus, holding 
aloft a small globe, on the top of which is inscribed America 
At his side crouches an astonished and awe-stricken Indian 
maiden. The group consumed 5 years in execution, and 
cost $24,000. It is said that the armor is true to a rivet, hav- 
ing been copied from a suit in the palace of the descendants 
of the discoverer at Genoa. The corresponding group on 
the N. buttress, by Greenough, 1842, represents the First Set- 
tlement of America, consisting of live figures : a hunter rescu- 
ing a woman and child from the murderous Indian, while by 
the side is a faithful dog. The work consumed about 12 
years in execution, and cost $24,000. It is of Servazza mar- 
ble. Persico was first designated to make this group. In the 
niches on the r. and 1. of the great Bronze Door, opening into 
the Rotunda, are the colossal statues of Peace and War, both 
by Persico, 1832. Peace is represented by the Goddess Ceres, 
a gentle maiden, with loose flowing robes and sandals. In 
her r. hand she bears fruit, and her 1. an olive branch. War 
is represented by Mars, a stern warrior, attired in Roman 
toga, belt, and tunic, with helmet and sandals. The tunic 
bears the symbols of his victims. The statues are of the 
finest quality of Cararra marble, each 9 ft. in height, were 
5 years in execution, and cost $12,000 apiece. Both are fine 
specimens of art. Over the Bronze Door is a basso relievo by 
Capellano, 1827, representing Fame and Peace in the act of 
placing a laurel wreath upon the brow of Washington. In 
panels on either side are bundles of radiating arrows, with 
surroundings of leaves. 

The E. Portico of the North or Senate Extension is reached 
by a broad flight of 46 marble steps, broken by 4 landings, 
and flanked by massive cheek-blocks, carrying out the design 
of the central Portico. This portico measures 143 ft., and is 
adorned by a double row of monolithic Corinthian columns, 
22 in all, 30 ft. high, exclusive of base, and is surmounted 
by a pediment of 72 ft. span. The group of figures on the 
Tympanum, by Thomas Crawford, symbolizes the Progress 
of Civilization in the United States. The centre figure repre- 
sents America, with the rising sun in the background. On 
her r. are figures of War and Commerce, Youth and Educa- 
tion, Mechanics and Agriculture. On her 1. the Pioneer, the 
Hunter, and the Aboriginal Race. The latter is represented 



MAIN BRONZE DOOR. 



67 



by an Indian and squaw, with an infant in her arms, seated 
by a filled grave, typical of the decadence of the red race. 
This group, ordered in 18G2, was cut by Italians, out of Amer- 
ican marble from Massachusetts, and cost $45,950. 

The E. Portico of the South or" House" Extension., in archi- 
tectural design, dimensions, and material, is the same as 
that of the N. Extension. The portico is without statuary 
or sculptured embellishment ; yet, with its beautiful marble 
columns supporting the entablature and surmounting pedi- 
ment, it is grand in its nude proportions. 

The W. facade, the central projection and extensions, and 
the N. and S. faces of the building, are decorated with col- 
onnades, of beautiful proportions, and surmounted by balus- 
trades, all in harmony with the porticos on the E. 



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B 



1. Main Bronze Door. — The great Bronze Door, designed and 

modeled in Rome, in 1858, by 
Randolph Rogers, and cast in 
bronze in Munich in 1860 by F. 
v. Miller, fills the main door- 
way, from the grand Portico 
into the Rotunda. The leaves 
or valves of the door, which is 
double, stand in a superbly en- 
riched casing, also of bronze, 
and, opened, fold back into suit- 
ably fitted jambs. The entire 
height is 19 ft; width, 9 ft.; 
weighs 20,000 lbs, and cost $28,- 
000. Each leaf is divided into 
8 panels, in addition to the 
transom-panel under the arch. 
Each of these contains a com- 
plete scene, in alto relievo. The 
back of the door is finished with 
a simple star in the centre of 
each panel, corresponding with 
the front. A plain molding re- 
lieves the blank space of each. 

The great Bronze Door is a credit to the 
magnificence and magnitude of the Capi- 
tol. In 1862, contrary to the views of Mr. 
Walter, Architect of the Capitol, it was 
placed in the S. doorway of the old Hall of 
Representatives, now the Hall of Statuary. 
In 1871 it was removed, and has since 
properly constituted the main door to the 









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(See pases 68, 69.) 
Capitol. In the event of the projection of this portico to the east line of the Exten 
sions, the Bronze Door, it is suggested by the architect, should form the inner or 
vestibule door, where the architecture should be in harmony with its design. 



68 MAIN BRONZE DOOR. 

The events portrayed on the door constitute the principal 
events in the Life of Columbus and the Discovery of 
America, with an ornate enrichment of emblematic de- 
signs. On the key of the arch of the casing is a Head of 
Columbus; a very excellent piece of facial execution. On 
the sides of the casing are four admirable typical statuettes, 
placed in niches at the top and bottom of the door, and 
arranged chronologically: A, Asia; B, Africa; C, Europe; 
D, America. The rest of the casing is embellished with a 
running border of ancient armor, banners, and heraldic de- 
signs ; and at the bottom, on either side, an anchor — all in 
basso relievo, and emblematic of Navigation and Conquest. 
On the frame of each leaf of the door, set in niches, are six- 
teen statuettes of the patrons and contemporaries of Colum- 
bus. They are given as nearly as possible in the order of the 
importance of their association with the promulgation and 
execution of his theory, or in the extension of the range of 
geographical exploration inaugurated by him. The first 8 
figures are associated in pairs when the doors are closed; 
when opened, they are divided, but should be examined in 
the order of the references. 

I. Alexander VI, Roderigo Lenzoli Borgia, a native of Spain, Pope of Rome 
1492-1503. 

z. Pedro Gonzales de Mendoza, Archbishop of Toledo, and Grand Cardinal of 
Spain, a man of great influence at court, and early patron of Columbus. 

3. Ferdinand, King of Spain, royal patron of the undertaking of Columbus. 

4. Isabella, Queen of Spain, and royal patroness of Columbus. 

5. Charles VIII, King of France, an enlightened monarch and friend to the cause 
of discovery. 

6. Lady Beatriz de Bobadilla, Marchioness of Moya, and friend of Columbus. It 
is said that the likeness is of Mrs. Rogers, wife to the sculptor. 

7. John II, King of Portugal, the monarch who rejected the proposals of Colum- 
bus. 

8. Henry VII, King of England, appealed to by Bartholomew Columbus on behalf 
of his brother; meantime the discovery was acco-mplished under the auspices of 
Spain. 

9. Juan Perez de Marchena, prior of the Convent of La Rabida, and friend to 
Columbus. 

10. Martin Alonzo Pinzon, commander of the Pinta, the second vessel in the first 
fleet across the ocean. 

II. Hernando Cortez, early companion of Columbus, and conqueror of Mexico. 

12. Bartholomew Columbus, brother to Christopher, advocate of his theory at the 
court of Henry VII, and first Adelentado of Hispaniola. It is said that the likenesf 
is of the sculptor. 

13. Alonzo de Ojeda, a companion of Columbus in his first voyage of discovery, 
and one of the most daring of his contemporaries. 

14. Vasco Nunez de Balboa, discoverer of the Pacific Ocean from the Isthmus of 
Darien. 

15. Amerigo Vespucci, one of the earlier discoverers of the main land of America, 
author of the first account of the New World, and from whom the continent takes its 
name. i 

16. Francisco Pizarro, conqueror of Peru. ' 



PRINCIPAL STORY. 



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MAIN BRONZE DOOR. 

The panels illustrate in alto relievo the leading events in fehe # 
career of Columbus, beginning at the lower panel of the r. or 
S. leaf of the door. 

I. Columbus examined before the Council of Salamanca respecting his theory 
of the globe, which was rejected. 

II. Departure of Columbus for the Spanish court from the Convent of La Rabida, 
near Palos. 

III. Audience at the court of Ferdinand and Isabella. 

IV. Departure of Columbus from Palos on his first voyage of discovery. 

V. Transom panel, Columbus landed on the Island of San Salvador, and taking 
possession in the name of his sovereign. 

VI. Encounter with the natives. 
VII. Triumphal entree of Columbus into Barcelona. 
VIII. Columbus in chains. 

IX. The death-bed of Columbus. He died at Valladolid May 20, 1506, aged 70 
years. His last words were: " In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum.' iy 
"Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. 1 ' Thirty years after his remains 
were transferred to the Cathedral of San Domingo, on the island of that name. In 
[796, when the Spaniards lost their hold on the island, they were removed to Havana. 

Between the panels are a series of heads, representing the 
historians of the voyages of Columbus and his followers. That 
above the lower or N. panel of the door is Washington Irving, 
and in the corresponding position opposite W. H. Prescott. 

The three most celebrated bronze doors of Europe are in Florence, in the Church 
of the Baptistry of St. John. The centre one, by Lorenzo Ghiberti, 1420-'' 50, con- 
sumed 30 years in execution, and illustrates scenes in the Old Tostament. Michad 
Ans;elo declared this gate worthy to be the portal of Paradise. The others are by 
Ancirea Pisano, 1330, and Ghiberti, 1400- ■" 20. The latter illustrates scenes in the 
New Testament. 

Kotunda.— From the central Portico, passing through the 
great Bronze Door, the visitor stands under the lofty canopy 
of the Kotunda. The height from pavement to canopy is 
180 ft., and diameter 96 ft. The circuit of the sides is di- 
vided into eight panels, separated by massive Roman pilas- 
ters, supporting an entablature ornamented with wreaths of 
olive 

Over the panels are busts in alto relievo beginning on the left of the west 
door, of Columbus, Raleigh, Cabot and LaSalle, executed by Capellano and 
Cauc'ici, Italians, pupils of Canova. ordered 1S27, cost with wreath-work $9,500. 
Over the four entrances are alio relievos, cost $3,500 each. 

East Door, Landing of the Pilgrims 1620, Caucici 18 -, a pupil ol Canova ; 
West Door, Pocahontas Saving the Life of Captain Smith, Capellano, 1821, a 
pupil of Canova ; North Door, William Penn Holding a Conference with the 
Indians, 1682, Gavelot, 1827; South Door, Daniel Boone in Conflict with the 
Indians' 1773, Caucici, 18—. All these are wretched caricatures. 

It is designed to ornament the frieze, 300 feet in length, with sculpture repre- 
senting the History of the United States. Also, to otherwise enrich the sides 
of the rotunda with a facing of marble. 

The Historical Paintings :-in the rotunda represent the discovery and 
settlement of N. America and events in the struggle for Inde- 
pendence. 

The Trumbull paintings were ordered in 1817, and finished in 1824. 1 rum- 
bull served as aid de-camp to Washington in 1775. His figures are likenesses 
of the actors in the scenes portrayed, taken in America and EuroDe. 



ROTUNDA. 



71 




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S I CAPITOL INTERIOR. 

The domical ceiling, viewed from the pavement of the 
Rotunda consists of an inner shell, over which is the mas- 
sive iron covering of the Dome. The canopy stands at a 
height of 180 ft. above the pavement, and measures 65^ ft. 
in dameter, and 21 ft. perpendicular height. The canopy is 
ornamented with a variety of figures in fresco, combining 
allegory and history, executed by C. Brumidi. The central 
group, which occupies the apex of the ceiling, represents a 
deification of Washington, the Father of American Liberty. 
On his r. is Freedom, and on his 1. Victory. In the foreground 
are 13 female figures, representing the original States of 
the American Union. These figures form a crown and sup- 
port a band, upon which are the appropriate words E Pluri- 
bus Unum. The figures begin with New Hampshire, on the 
1. of Victory, and follow in semi-circular procession, accord- 
ing to their geographical order. The drapery, decoration, 
and coloring are designed to indicate the products and situa- 
tion of the States represented. Around the base of the can- 
opy, which measures about 204 ft., are 6 emblematic groups, 
designed as an allegory of the Revolution, 1776-'83. These 
groups begin at the W. 

i. The Fall of Tyranny. — Represented by Freedom and an Eagle battling 
with Tyranny and Priestcraft ; a mailed soldier vainly struggling to uphold the 
ermined robe of royalty. Discord stands by; also Anger and Revenge, with the 
incendiary torch. 

2. Agriculture, towards the N. — Represented by Ceres, with cornucopia. 
America, wearing a red Cap of Liberty, turning over to Ceres the mastery of a pair 
of horses attached to a reaper. Flora is gathering flowers, and Pomona bears a basket 
of fruit. 

J. Mechanics. — Represented by Vulcan, resting his r. foot on a cannon, and 
around arc the various instruments of his art, with mortars and cannon balls. 

Iii the E. is— 

4. Commerce. — Represented by Mercury, holding a bag of gold, and directing 
attention to it. The figure thus called is Robert Morris, the financier of the Revo- 
lution. Merchandise, with men at work, and two sailors, pointing to a gunboat, 
complete the allegory. 

5. Marine. — Representing Neptune in his car, bearing his trident, accompanied 
by attendants, emerging from the deep. Amphrodite, Venus, is about dropping 
into the foaming waters an electric cable, which has been handed her by a cherub. 

6. Arts and Sciences. — Represented by Minerva, the Goddess of Wisdom, 
surrounded by figures — Frankiin, the philosopher; Fulton, the inventor of the 
steamboat ; and Morse, the inventor of the magnetic telegraph. The figures of 
juveniles indicate teaching. 

These frescoes cover 5,000 sq. ft Hundreds of gas- 
jets, lighted by electricity, illuminate not only the canopy, 
but the entire interior of the Dome. 

These frescoes were ordered in 1864, and cost $50,000, of 
which $39,000 was paid for compensation of the artist and as- 
sistants, and the balance for materials. 



PRINCIPAL STORY. $1 

3. West Door of the Eotunda, lending- to the main door of 
the Library of Congress. This door is also at the head of the 
staircase leading - from the Western Entrance of the Capitol to 
the Rotunda. 

4. Western Main Staircase, connecting- Western Entrance 
with the Rotunda. 

5 and 6. Library of the United States. — (Open every day, 
Sundays excepted, from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m.; during sessions of 
Congress till hour of adjournment.) 

The Library Halls occupy the principal floor of the entire 
W. projection of the Capitol, consisting of a connecting cen- 
tral hall, 911- ft. long, 34 ft. wide, ancf38 ft. high, completed 
in 1853, with two wings on the N". and S., each 95 ft. long, 29£ 
ft. wide, and 38 ft. high, finished in 1S65. The interior was 
designed by Mr. Walter, Architect of the Capitol, who com- 
pleted the central library, and the wings were carried out by 
Mr. Clark, his successor, at a total cost of $280,000. The cen- 
tral library consists of 12 deep recesses, or alcoves, surmount- 
ed by 2 upper tiers of cases, with galleries and corridors, all of 
iron. The hall is lighted by windows in the alcoves and by 
skylights fitted in the iron frame-work of the roof, and trans- 
mitted through the ceiling. This consists of iron frame-work 
supported upon massive foliated iron brackets, each weigh- 
ing 2,000 lbs. The alcoves and shelves are embellished with 
pilastered and paneled fronts, painted a soft buff color and 
artistically gilded. The book-shelves are also of iron, and 
covered with leather. The floors are of tessellated black-and- 
white marble. The wings are of the same design as the cen- 
tral hall. The former have 4 tiers of shelves instead of 3. Heat 
and ventilation are supplied from the Senate and House ap- 
paratus, 200 ft. distant, on either side. The iron-work was 
manufactured in New York, and transported in pieces. It 
is the only completely fire-proof library in the world. The 
library halls afford accommodation for 172,000 volumes, and 
with the attic and law library 210,000. The additional space 
required has been in part supplied by temporary wooden 
shelves ranged along the galleries. 

It is proposed to erect a suitable building in the angle of 
the E. Park of the Capitol, to be specially devoted to the pur- 
poses of the Library of the United States. 



82 CAPITOL INTERIOR. 

The Library of Congress now numbers upwards of 315,000 bound volumes, 
and 100,000 pamphlets, besides manuscripts. The annual increase is about 
12,000 volumes. There are sixteen libraries in Europe containing a greater 
number of volumes. The Library of Congress is the largest in the United 
States. Each House of Congress has a documentary library of its own, com- 
prising all official documents published under their own authority. 

A fine view of the city may be had from the western portico. (See map of 
city for points of interest.) 

Under the Rules of the Library the privilege of taking books out is accorded 
by divers statutes. All persons 16 years and upwards can call for books to be 
used in the Hall. 

This national collection of books has many distinctive features. It is rich 
in books, pamphlets, journals, manuscripts, and maps relating to the history 
and topography of America. It is only approximated in this particular by 
the library in the British Museum in London. Among the rare -works are two 
great folios, written on vellum, with numerous illuminations by hand, executed 
with the utmost care in the 13th century ; a constitution of Pope Clement V., of 
Rome, 1467, by Peter Schoeffer at Mentz ; a copy of Eliot's Indian Bible ; 300 
early atlases and maps, some unpublished, of the American continent ; a large 
number of incunabula, or books printed during the infancy of the art, by the 
most distinguished early printers, representing every year from 1467 to 1500; 48 
folio volumes of historical autographs of great rarity and interest. 

Librarians of Congress. — Clerks of the House of Representatives : 1802- 
1807, John Beckley, of Va.; 1807-1815, Patrick Magruder. of Md. Librarians: 
1815-1829, George Watterson, I). C-; 1829-1861, John S. Meehan, N Y.; 1861- 
1864, John G. Stephenson, Ind.; 1864, Ainsworth R. Spofford, Ohio. 

History. — The Library of Congress was founded underact of April 24, 1800. 
John Randolph, of Roanoke, of the new committee on the Library, on Dec. 
18, 1801, reported upon the needs of the Library, and on January 26, 1802, 
Congress passed an act placing it on a permanent footing. The first collection 
comprised about 3,000 volumes. From this time various sums from $450 to 
$12,000 per annum have been appropriated by Congress for purchases. In the 
burning of the Capitol by the British in 1814, the Library was destroyed. On 
September 21, 1814, Thomas Jefferson tendered the sale of his library of 6,700 
volumes. It was purchased by Congress for $23,950. The collection contained 
many rare works gathered in Europe. In 1824 the Library was transferred 
from its temporary quarters over the present offices of the Clerk of the Su- 
preme Court, to the present main hall. On Dec. 24, 1851, the Library then 
numbering 55, coo was destroyed by fire, occasioned by a defective flue. About 
35,000 volumes were burned. Amongst the works of art destroyed were Stuart's 
piintingsof the first five Presidents, and originals of Columbus and Peyton 
Randolph. In 1852 Congress appropriated $157,500 to refit the hall, which led 
to the present elegant accommodations. In 1866 the Smithsoniaii Library, 
consisting of 40,000 volumes, embracing the largest assemblage of the trans- 
actions of scientific and learned societies in the world, was transferred to the 
Library. In 1867 the Peter Force Collection of books, manuscripts, maps and 
papers relating to American history, the most complete extant, was purchased 
for $100,000. 

On July 8, 1870, the copyriglit business of the United States was placed under 
the Librarian of Congress, subject to the joint committee on the Library. Two 
copies of the best edition of every book copyrighted must be deposited. 

The Law Branch of the Library of Congress (see number 44 Plan of Base- 
ment Story) was not regularly established until the act of 1832. The Librarian 
of Congress was placed in charge. The Justices of the Supreme Court were to 
have free access to the Library, and to make rules and regulations for its proper 
custody and management, but not in conflict with the same for the government 
of the Library of Congress. All appropriations, about ,42.000 per annum, are 
expended by the Librarian of Congress, under thi direction of the Chief Justice. 
The Library'now numbers about 50,000 volumes, and is the largest and most 
valuable in the United States. In 1848 it was assigned to its present quarters. 

7 anrl 8. Store-rooms for the Library 



PRINCIPAL STORY. 83 

CENTRE BUILDING— NORTH WING. 

9. North Door of the Eotunda. — On the left of the passage 
are the indicators and keys which operate the wires for light- 
ing- the Rotunda. (See 11.) This passage leads into — 

10. Vestibule, of an elliptical shape, and in imitation of a 
Greek temple, containing a peristyle, supported on an arched 
substruction. The capitals of the pillars are ornamented with 
the leaf and flower of the tobacco plant. Light is admitted 
through a cupola in the small surmounting dome. The latter 
is broken by caissons, enriched by the tobacco blossom. 

11. Ascent of Dome. — At the head of the first flight on 
the r. is the entrance to the battery and electric gas-lighting 
apparatus. (See Attic STORY, 3, 4, and 5.) Returning and 
continuing the ascent, an opportunity is afforded of studying 
the mechanism of the immense structure overhead. A small 
door at the top of an intricate flight of steps opens between 
the inner and outer shells. On the inside is a range of arches, 
affording a view of the rotunda and canopy. A short distance 
above a doorway opens under an imposing peristyle of 36 iron 
3olumns. The next door opens upon a balustrade above. The 
last ascent is by an abrupt flight of steps over the inner shell, 
which leads to the platform immediately beneath the canopy. 
This point affords a closer view of Brumidi's allegory, a de- 
scription of which will be found elsewhere. This platform 
makes a tine whispering gallery. Another flight of steps 
leads to the crowning platform, from which the most exten- 
sive view of the city may be had. 

Panoramfc View of the City. — With the assistance of the 
maps of the city and District, the stranger will be able to ac- 
quaint himself with the most prominent features in the view. 
Looking towards the E., on the 1. is the Asylum for the Deaf 
and Dumb, and on the r., bej^ond the Anacostia, the Asylum 
for the Insane. On the S. may be seen the Anacostia uniting 
with the broad current of the Potomac. On the point are the 
buildings of the Arsenal, and 7 m. below, on the opposite shore, 
Alexandria. Opposite Georgetown is Arlington House, with 
Fort Whipple on the r. In the W. is the official quarter of 
the city. The building on the hill, at the head of New Jersey 
av., is the Howard University ; and the white tower in the dis- 
tance, on the line of E. Capitol st., is the Soldiers' Home. 
The railroad which leaves the city on the N. is the Baltimore 
and Ohio — the r. branch for Baltimore, and the 1. for Point of 
Rocks and the W. The road S. of the Capitol is the Balti- 
more and Potomac, also for the N. and W., running in con- 
nection with the Pennsylvania Central. The Tiber Creek 
follows the basin of the valley on the N. 



^4 CAPITOL INTERIOR. 

12. Vestibule of the Supreme Court. — A door from the ves- 
tibule, of Greek design, opens into a second vestibule, from 
which, on the right or east, opens the main entrance to the 
Supreme Court. Opposite is a prostyle of Potomac marble. 

13. Supreme Court United States — {Open to visitors every 
day, except Sunday.) The apartment occupied by this tribu- 
nal, formerly the Senate Chamber, is semi-circular, with a 
rather flat dome, enriched with square caissons in stucco, and 
circular apertures to admit light. The chamber is 75 ft . great- 
est length or diameter, 45 ft. greatest width, and 45 ft. high. 
On the E. side a screen of Grecian Ionic columns of breccia, 
or variegated Potomac marble, with capitals of white Italian 
marble, modeled after those of the Temple of Minerva, pol- 
ished, extends along the back of the range of seats of the 
Justices. These columns, with the entablature, support a 
gallery. The seats of the Justices are raised several feet 
above the floor, and are ranged behind a low screen, which 
answers the purpose of desks. The Chief Justice occupies 
the centre seat. The officers of the court have desks at either 
end and at the foot of the Justices' platform. The floor is 
beautifully carpeted, and tables and chairs are placed within 
the bar for the accommodation of those having cases before 
the court. Outside the rail are seats for visitors. 

Against, the west wall are marble consoles supporting busts of the departed 
Chief Justices : — John Jay, by John Frazee, 1831, $400; John Rutledge, by A. 
Gait, 1857, $800; Oliver Ellsworth, by Hezekiah Augur, 1834, $400 ; John 
Marshall, by John Frazee, 1836, $500; Roger B.Taney, (after Rhinehart) 
A. L. St. Gaudens, 1876, $700 ; Salmon P. Chase, (from a mask taken in 
1857) T. D. Jones, 1875, $1000. 

It was designed in the original plan of the city to erect a separate building 
for the uses of the Judiciary, and for that purpose Judiciary Square was set 
apart. Nothing however was done. In February, 1801, the Supreme Court 
of the United States was assigned to the room immediately below that now oc- 
cupied by it. The present apartment was occupied in December, i860. _ 

The times for holding the sessions of the Supreme Court have been subjected 
to frequent changes by statutes since 1789. The annual session now com- 
mences on tne second Monday of October in each year. The adjournment 
usually takes place in May following. The daily sessions are from 12 noon 
to 4 p. m. The Justices, wearing their judicial robes, enter from the N. door 
of the chamber, and are formally announced by the Marshal or deputy. The 
people in the room rise and remain standing till the Justices are seated. The 
opening of the court is then proclaimed by a proper officer. 

When the court-room was occupied by the Senate the President's chair stood 
in a niche in the screen of columns, and was raised on a platform. In front 
and lower were the desks of the Secretary and Chief Clerk. The entablature 
of the screen supported a gallery, in front of which was another, following 
the circle of the room, and supported by iron columns, with bronzed 
caps, surmounted by a gilt iron balustrade. Against the wall over the E. gal- 
lery was a fine painting of Washington, by Charles Wilson Peale, richly 
framed and draped. The President's chair standing on the line of the diame- 
ter of the circle, formed the centre of the radiating aisles, between which, in 



PRINCIPAL STORY. g£ 

concentric curves, were arranged the Senators' desks. There were accommo- 
dations for 64 Senators. In the rear a railing enclosed the bar of the Senate. 
Outside were sofas for privileged visitors. It was in this Hall that Webster, 
Calhoun, Clay, and their cotemporaries, made their great speeches. 

Originally there was an upper gallery on the E. side, supported by an^ attic 
colonnade, but this was removed in 1828 to admit more light. The ap- 

proaches to the chamber and galleries were exceedingly dark and gloomy. 
At night a gas chandelier diffused light. On the W. side of the building, 
across the main vestibule, were the offices of the Secretary of fhe Senate, now 
occupied by the officers of the court. The two rooms on the N. side were as- 
signed to the President and Vice President — now the robing rooms. 

Chief Justices.— 1789, John Jay, N. Y. ; 1795, John Rutledge, S. C, re- 
jected; 1796, William Cushing Mass., declined ; 1796 Oliver Ellsworth, Conn., 
1800, John Jay, N. Y. ; 1801, John Marshall, Va. ; 1836, Roger B. Taney, Md.;- 
1864, Salmon P. Chase, Ohio; 1874, Morrison R. Waite, Ohio. 

The Judiciary. — Unjudicial power of the United States, by the third ar- 
ticle of the Constitution, is vested in one supreme court and in such inferior 
courts as Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The ludges of 
both the supreme and inferior courts hold their offices during good behavior, 
and receive for their servicee compensation which cannot be diminished during 
their continuance in office. The Chief Justice and Associates of the Supreme 
Court of the United Stares are appointed by the President, by and with the 
advice of the Senate The Constitution defines thejudicial power of the court, 
which is confined to civil cases, national in their character : for instance, be- 
tween citizens of different States, or in which aliens or representatives of for- 
eign governments are interested, questions under treaties, and appellate and 
revisory jurisdiction in certain cases. 

14. Robing Room. — In this apartment the Chief Justice of 
the Supreme Court and his Associates attire themselves in 
their court robes, in which they sit on the supreme bench. 

On the walls are portraits of Chief Justices, John Jay, by Henry Peter 
Gray, 1813, after Gilbert Stuart, 1793, represented in the robe with scarlet fac- 
ings worn by the degree, LL. D., University of Edinburgh, conferred on him. 
presented 1S76, by John Jay, his grandson. John Marshall by Rembrandt 
Peale, 1825, presented to Chief Justice Chase by the bar of New York, by whom 
it was bequeathed, 1873, to the Supreme Court of the United States. R. B. 
Taney, by J. G. P. Healy, 1858, $3oo, taken from life, 85th year, presented. 
1876, by the bar and clerk of the court. 

From the Robing Boom the Justices, in their judicial robes, 
at the hour of meeting of the court, cross the corridor, and, 
passing through the 

15. Justices' Passage and Entrance, enter the Supreme 
Court Room, where they are properly announced by the 
Marshal or his deputy. 

16. 17, and 18. Offices of the Olerkof the Supreme Oourt of 
the United States. The entrance is from the vestibule, (12.) 



86 CAPITOL INTERIOR. 

iii the Clerk's Office (16) are portraits of Gabriel Duval, of 
Maryland, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the 
United States, 1811-1836, and William Thomas Carroll, of 
the District of Columbia, Clerk of the Supreme Court of the 
United States, 1827-1863. 

19. Steps to the Basement and Crypt. (See Basement story.) 

20. Marshal's Office of the Supreme Court of the United 

States. 

21. Steps to the Senate Library. (See Nos. 6, 7, and 8, 
Attic Story.) 

22. Corridor connecting the main or old Capitol building 
with the Senate Extension. The main door to the floor of 
the Senate Chamber is directly opposite. The cornice is ar- 
tistically executed and the panel of the ceiling is formed by 
a fasces border in stucco. Walls tinted. 

NORTH OR SENATE EXTENSION. 

23. Southern Corridor — Connects the eastern (24) and west- 
ern (25) corridors, which lead to the rear of the Senate Cham- 
ber, the Reception Room and Lobby, and to the grand stair- 
cases to the attic story and Galleries. This corridor lias a 
vaulted ceiling consisting of three circular arches, with in- 
tervening bands and groined arches, which, together .with 
the walls, are chastely decorated in stucco and "tinted. At 
the eastern end, in the recess formed by the line of windows 
on the Senate side of the corridor, is a bust, in marble, of 
Roger Brooke Taney, of Maryland, Chief Justice of the Su- 
preme Court of the' United States, 1836-1864. At the west- 
ern end of the corridor is the Senate office of the Official 
Telegraph, built in 1873, by G. C. Maynard, under an act of 
Congress, and connecting the Capitol, the Government Print- 
ing Office, and the Executive Departments, and to extend to 
all the isolated Government offices hi the city. The wires 
are carried from the building across the Capitol grounds by 
means of a subterranean cable, in order not to mar the pros- 
pect. 

24. Eastern Corridor leads to the Eastern Grand Staircase, 
(28,) Senate Vestibule, (30,) and Reception Room (34.) Over- 
head, at the foot of the first, the ceiling is formed of panels 
of rich white marble. Walls tinted. 

25 Western Corridor, to the Western Grand Staircase, 
Senate Offices, and Lobby. At the foot of the former, over- 
head, is white marble paneling. The rest of the ceiling to 



PRINCIPAL STOUY. &7 

chc Lobby consists of barrel arches and lunettes, and paneled 
walls, the whole tinted and enriched with flowers in stucco. 

26 and 27 Senate Committee on Finance. — Without special 
decoration. 

28. Eastern Grand Staircase. — This leads to the Ladies', 
Senators'' Family, and Diplomatic Galleries. This magnifi- 
cent staircase is made of highly-polished Tennessee marble. 
The columns have bronze capitals. The ascent from the 
main floor is by a broad flight of 16 steps, which divide at the 
first landing, the rest of the ascent being by a double flight 
of 18 steps. Overhead is a stained-glass skylight, set in an 
iron frame, surrounded by an iron casing of trellis work, rest- 
ing on a heavy cornice of marble. At the foot of the steps, 
in a niche, stands the semi-heroic statue of Franklin, the 
philosopher, in marble, by Hiram Powers, 1862, $10,000. 
Against the E. wall, over the first landing, is the painting of 
Perry's Victory over the British on Lake Erie, September 
10, 1813, by Powell, of Ohio, 1873, cost $25,000. The paint- 
ing represents the Commodore transferring his flag from the 
Lawrence, which had been disabled, to the Niagara, In the 
boat are the Commodore, with his little brother, and a crew 
of brave seamen . The perilous voyage lasted fifteen minutes, 
during which time the English commander concentrated his 
fire upon the party. When they reached the Niagara, the 
oars were shattered, and the little boat bore numerous evi- 
dences of the proximity of the emeny's shot. When Perry 
hoisted his pennant on the Niagara, the American fleet was 
inspired with new courage, and by a prompt movement broke 
the British line and won the day. The battle took place near 
Put-in Bay. Perry was but twenty-seven years of age when 
he gained this signal victory. This painting has been severely 
criticised. It is a copy from one on a smaller scale, by the 
same artist, in the State House at Columbus, Ohio. The best 
view of this painting is from the balustrade at the top of the 
staircase. A double stairway, which unites at the first land- 
ing below, leads beneath the arched support and massive 
blocking of the upper staircase to the basement. A beautiful 
stained-glass window, at the head of the second descent, 
admits light. These grand staircases, of which there are 
four, two in the North or Senate, and the same in correspond- 
ing position in the South or House Extensions of the Capitol, 
lead to the attic story and galleries, and awe among the most 
beautiful features of the Capitol. A full description of each, 
with their paintings and statuary, will be described in their 
proper places. The door immediately beyond the Franklin 



88 



CAPITOL INTERIOR. 



statue leads into the Senate vestibule, in the main entrance 
of which are the 




VI 



IV 



0. 




ii 



in 



29. Crawford Bronze Door, consisting of a simple post 

and lintel. The frame over 
the door is supported by enrich- 
ed brackets. The ornamenta- 
tion consists of scroll-work and 
acanthus, with the cotton-boll, 
maize, grapes, and entwining 
vines. The upper panel of each 
valve contains a star, surround- 
ed by a wreath of oak leaves, and 
acts as a ventilator. In the foot 
panel of each leaf are figures, 
tvpical of Peace and War. The 
door is 141 ft. high and 9 J ft. 
wide, with two leaves, weighs 
14,000 lbs., and was cast "by 
James T. Ames, at Chicopee, 
Mass. The total cost was $6,- 
000 for model and $50,495 for 
casting. It was put up in 1868. 
The remainder of the door 
is divided into 6 panels, in 
which, in alto relievo, are rep- 
resented events connected with 
senate bronze door. the revolutionary struggle, the 

establishment of the Government, and the foundation of the 
Capitol. The panels containing historical subjects, in chro- 
nological succession, begin at the top of the left valve of the 
door, as follows : 

I. Battle of Bunker Hill and Death of Warren, June, 1775. 

II. Battle of Monmouth, June, 1778, and Rebuke*f General Lee, who meditated 
betraying the American Army. 

III. Battle of Yorktown, October, 1781. Hamilton's Capture of the Redoubt. 

IV. Welcome of Washington at Trenton, April, 1789, on his way to New York 
to assume the office of President of the United States. This panel contains por- 
traits of the sculptor, his wife, and three children, and of Rogers, the sculptor of 
the Main Door. 

V. Inauguration of Washington, First President of the United States, in New 
York, April 30, 1789. The principal figures in this panel are portraits, including 
John Adams, Vice President, on his right; Chancellor Livingstone administers the 
oath; Mr. Otis, Secretary of the Senate, presented the Bible. The other distinguished 
personages represented are Alexander Hamilton, Generals Knox and St. Clair!, Roger 
Sherman, and Baron Steuben. 

VI Laying of the Corner-stone of the Capitol of the United States at Washing- 
ton, September 18, 1793. The prominent figures are likenesses. 

The order to Mr Crawford contemplated two doors, one for the E. Portico 
of each wing. The sculptor had proceeded no further than to complete the 
drawing of his designs and the w ->rk of his models in clay, when he was over- 




PRINCIPAL STORY. Stf 

taken by death. The work, however, was completed t>/ W. H. Khinehart, of 
Maryland, an assistant in the studio of the sculptor at Rome. The models 
were shipped to the United States in 1863. They were somewhat damaged in 
removal, but were restored by Silas Mosman, of Massachusetts, under whose 
superintendence they were cast. The mechanical execution of this work is 
considered in every respect equal to the great Door, and establishes the skill 
of American bronze founders in competition with those of Europe. 

Above the door, resting on a cap supported by massive 
brackets, are two recliningfemale figures, in American mar- 
ble by Crawford, representing Justice and History. Both 
recline against a globe, the former supporting a volume 
bearing the words " Justice, Law, and Order," and has a 
pair of scales lying by her side. The latter holds a scroll, 
inscribed " History, July, 1776." On either side of the 
door, in the beautiful marble wall, is a niche, ready to re- 
ceive appropriate statues. 

30. Senate Vestibule. — This door opens into a vestibule con 
sisting of a colonnade of 16 fluted marble columns, with capi- 
tals of acanthus and tobacco leaves. The col umns are disposed 
in couples, and equally divided on either side with correspond- 
ing pilasters. The ceiling is composed of massive blocks of 
highly-polished marble, ranged so as to form panels, three of 
which are provided with stained glass for the admission of 
light. The walls are scagliola imitation of Sienna marble, 
and are broken at suitable intervals into niches, with bases of 
Tennessee marble. The floor is tesselated in white and blue 
marble. At the opposite end of this vestibule is a smaller 
one, leading to the floor of the Senate Chamber. The doors 
are of bird's-e3 r e maple, with bronze enrichments, and set 
in bronze frames. 

31. Official Exporters' Eoom, used by the reporters of the 
debates and proceedings of the Senate. The ceiling is fres- 
coed in the Pompeian style of decoration. 

32. Senate Post Office, — This beautiful apartment is ele- 
gantly fitted with cases and other conveniences .for the recep- 
tion and distribution of the Senate mails. This room was 
originally intended for the Library of the Senate, and was 
decorated with that view. The vaulted ceiling is embellished 
with frescoes by Brumidi, the principal pieces representing 
History, Geography, Physics, and the Telegraph. Three 
allegorical figures support a tasteful centre-piece, from which 
drops a chandelier. The walls are finished in oil and gilt. 

33. Sergeant-at- Arms' Eoom. — On the walls are four alle- 
gorical designs in basso relieco: that on the E. representing 



9() CAPITOL INTERIOR. 

Dissolution or Secession, illustrated in the breaking of the 
fasces or bundle of rods, while on the one side lies cotton, 
and on the other corn, the rival products of the opposing 
sections of the country. On the S. is the same figure as War, 
with the engines of strife. On the W. the bundle of rods 
are again united, with the motto E Pluribus Unum and an 
eagle. On the INT. the implements of war are being destroyed 
and exchanged for those of peace. 

34. Senate Reception Eoom — The vestibule opens into the 
Senate Reception Room, a brilliant salon about 60 ft. long, 
with a vaulted ceiling divided into two arches, that on the 1ST. 
being groined, and is divided into four sections, in which are 
allegorical figures in fresco: N., Liberty; S., Plenty; W., 
War; E., Peace. The S. half of the ceiling consists of a cir- 
cular arch, broken by deep caissons, arranged in concentric 
circles. The fresco in the centre represents youthful figures 
in a vignette of clouds. Outside the circle are allegorical fig- 
ures in fresco : NE., Prudence; SE., Justice; SW., Temper- 
ance ; NW., Strength. All these frescoes were executed.by 
Brumidi, in 1856. The ceiling is heavily gilded throughout, 
and from it is suspended a fine chandelier. The walls are 
finished in tint, and enriched with stucco and gilt. They are 
divided into five panels, with medallion centres for portraits 
of illustrious citizens. Each medallion is surrounded by 
wreaths, and is surmounted by an eagle. The base of the 
walls is scagliola, in imitation of Potomac and Tennessee 
marbles. Under the arch in the S. wall is a well-executed 
centre-piece in oil, by Brumidi, representing Washington in 
consultation with Jefferson, his Secretary of State, and Ham- 
ilton, Secretary of the Treasury. On either side is a medal- 
lion yet unfilled. In the N". wall of this magnificent apart- 
ment, between the windows, is a mirror. The floor is of 
encaustic tiles, finely laid, and with a beautifully-wrought 
star as a centre-piece. The room is furnished in rosewood, 
with damask and lace curtains. In winter the floor is richly 
carpeted. The mantel is a beautiful specimen of workman- 
ship. 

35. Bronze Staircases, formed of entwining vines and foliage, 
relieved with eagles, deer, and cupids. A similar staircase 
occupies a corresponding place on the W. side of the lobby. 
These, including two connecting with the lobby of the Hall 
of Representatives in the S. Extension, cost nearly $22,500. 
They are elaborate and artistic specimens of bronze work, 
and in a part of the building too dark to enable their merits 
to be fully appreciated. They wen j manufactured by Archer, 
Warner & Miskey, of Philadelphia Baudin, artist, i858-'59. 



PRINCIPAL STORY. 91 

36. Vice President's Eoom. — The door on the r. within the 
Lobby opens into the room of the President of the Senate, 
generally known as the Vice President's Room. It is a well- 
furnished apartment, with plain stuccoed ceilings and tinted 
walls. In this room is the original of Rembrandt PeaWs 
painting of Washington, from life, purchased by the Senate 
in 1832. for $2,000. Permission to enter may be obtained 
from the President of the Senate. When not in use, visitors 
may be admitted through the courtesy of the Sergeant-at- 
Arms or one of the door-keepers. 

37. Senate Lobby. — During the sessions of the Senate ad- 
missions to the Senate Lobby can only be obtained through a 
Senator. This, however, is not in strict accordance with the 
rules of the body. When the Senate is not in session, the 
Lobby is open to the public. The Lobby is a vaulted pas- 
sage, with gilt panels and cornice. A chandelier makes up 
the deficiency of daylight. On the 1. are two doors, leading 
to the floor of the Senate Chamber. 

38 The Senate Chamber.— This unquestionably magnificent 
apartment occupies the centre of the principal floor of the N". 
Extension. It has an entrance for Senators from corridors 
on the E ., S., and W., and two from the lobby on the N". The 
occupation of this Chamber, devoted to the deliberations of 
the highest branch of the legislative arm of the Government, 
took place on Jan. 4, 1859. It is in the form of a parallelo- 
gram of the following dimensions : Length, 113-]- ft. ; width, 
80| ft. ; height, 36 ft. ; superficial area of floor, 9.136 sq. ft. ; 
cubic contents, 328,536 cub. ft. The dimensions of the floor 
of the Chamber, exclusive of the cloak rooms and lobby, are 
83 ft. long and 51 ft. wide. On the E., W., and S. sides of 
the Chamber are the cloak rooms of Senators, and on the X. 
the Senate lobby. Over these and around the Chamber are 
the galleries, the seats rising and receding in tiers, till 
brought to a level with the corridors of the second floor, 
which are reached by two marble staircases. The portion 
of the 1ST. Gallery over the back of the chair of the President 
of the Senate is devoted to reporters of the press, local and 
general, being provided with about 40 desks, and seats for 
as many more. Directly opposite the reporters, in the S. 
Gallery, a number of seats are set apart for the diplomatic 
representatives. The galleries, from the reporters' to the 
diplomatic, on the S. side, are devoted exclusively to ladies, 
and gentlemen accompanying them ; a portion for the exclu- 
sive use of the families of Senators. The corresponding 
galleries on the YV. are for gentlemen. The galleries will 



92 CAPITOL INTERIOR. 

wellseat 1,200 persons. For plan of galleries, see Attic Story % 
15-21. 

On the floor of the Chamber are seats for 76 Senators. The 
aisles diverge from the President's "desk" like radii, from a 
centre. The desks are arranged in concentric semi-eireles 
facing the N"., with an iron railing' investing the whole. The 
desks are made of the finest quality of mahogany, and the 
majority were in use in the old Senate Chamber. These 
were made a half century ago. 

The President's desk occupies a raised platform or dais. 
At his back is a deep niche, and in front a broad desk, upon 
which lies the gavel when the body is in session. Immedi- 
ately below, on either side, are the seats of the Sergeant-at- 
Arms r., and Doorkeeper 1. At the desk in front, com- 
mencing on the 1., are the seats of the Secretary of the Senate, 
Legislative Clerk, Chief Clerk, and Minute Clerk, in the order 
given. The two seats on the floor in front and at either end 
are for the official reporters. These desks are of mahogany, 
in keeping with the rest of the furniture of the Hall. 

The floor is raised about 3 in. for each receding semi-circle 
of desks, and is pierced by numerous double ventilators, reg- 
ulated with the feet, under each Senator's desk. These ven- 
tilators are fed from an air-chamber or reservoir beneath the 
floor, and supplied by fans and steam-coils in the basement 
with moistened air tempered from 68° to 70° winter, and from 
8° to 10° below the outside air in summer, and regulated by 
thermometers and hygrometers in different parts of the 
chamber; these are examined at regular and brief intervals 
by the chief of the ventilating department. The contam- 
inated air passes through the trellis work of the outer range 
of panels in the ceiling and through spaces provided in the 
centre panels. A current of air from the ventilators below 
to those above is constantly passing through the Chamber. 
(See Ventilating Department.) 

The ceiling is a splendid specimen of taste and skill. It 
consists of immense cast-iron girders and transverse pieces, 
forming deep panels, 21 of which are glazed, each with a 
centre-piece symbolic of the Union, the Army, and Navy, 
Progress, and the Mechanical Arts. In addition to these, 
there is an outer row of 24 panels, with trellised centre for 
ventilation, and outside of all a row of deep caissons and 
circles, with a star in each. The entire frame rests on a 
heavy iron cornice. The ironwork throughout is bronzed, 
with gilt decorations. The walls are richly painted, those 
supporting the galleries being laid off* in panels. The walls 
back of the galleries are pierced by doors on each side. The 
doors are of bird's-eye maple, elaborately finished with foli- 



CAPITOL INTERIOR. 93 

ated bronze ornaments. Niches for statuary are also sunk 
in the walls. The iron work was done by Janes, Beebe & Co. 

The hall by day is lighted through the paneled ceiling by 
means of the skylight in the roof. At night innumerable 
jets ranged above the ceiling around the glass panels, and 
supplied with gas and ignited by electricity, diffuse a soft 
light throughout the Chamber. 

The public are permitted on the floor of the Chamber wiien 
the Senate is not in session. The regular hour of meeting 
of the Senate during the session is 12 noon every day ex- 
cept Sunday, and adjourns on its own motion : holiday and 
night sessions are ordered by the Senate. During the ses- 
sion the following persons only are by law entitled to the 
privileges of the floor of the Senate : Officers of the Senate ; 
Members of the House of Eepresentatives and their clerks; 
President of the U. S. and private secretary ; heads of de- 
partments; Ministers of the U. S. and Foreign Ministers; 
ex-Presidents and ex- Vice Presidents of the U. S. ; ex-Sen- 
ators and Senators elect ; Judges of the Supreme Court of 
the U. S.; Governors of States and Territories; General of 
the Army; Admiral of the Navy; Members of National 
Legislatures of foreign countries ; private secretaries of Sen- 
ators, appointed in writing; and Librarian of Congress. 

39. Oloak Eooms. — Beneath the E., W., and S. galleries 
are cloak rooms for the exclusive use of Senators. 

40. Marble Eoom. — From the lobby pass through a small 
passage or vestibule into the Marble or Senate Retiring Room. 
This elegant apartment is 38 ft. long, 21 J ft. wide, and 19 J ft. 
high. The ceiling rests upon 4 Corinthian columns of Italian 
marble, and consists of massive polished blocks of white mar- 
ble, forming deep panels. The walls throughout are of highly- 
polished Tennessee marble. In the panels of the walls are 
large plate-glass mirrors. Those at the ends produce a striking 
effect. In the E. and W. walls are niches. Two of these 
contain heads of Indian chiefs, executed in marble. The floors 
are of encaustic tiles. The room is handsomely furnished, 
and, without question, is the finest apartment of the kind in 
the world. In the E. vestibule is a small bronze bust of 
Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, 1861-1865, 
presented by Albert De Groot, of New York. 



94 PRINCIPAL STORY. 

41. President's Eoom, — Leaving- the lobby by the W. door, 
on the r. is the President's Eoom, assigned to the use of the 
President of the United States on his visits to the Capitol. 
This room is rarely used except on the last days of the session 
of Congress, when the President, with his secretaries and 
Cabinet ministers, assemble there to expedite the business of 
legislation, the President signing such bills passed by the 
Senate and House of Representatives as meet his approval. 

The walls and ceiling of this room are richly and appropri- 
ately Oecorated. On the S. wall, under the arch of the ceil- 
ing, is a portrait of Washington — a copy from Rembrandt 
Peale's— with a reclining female figure on either side : that on 
the r. representing Victory, who holds a shield, bearing the 
inscription, Boston, Trenton, Princeton, Monmouth, and 
Yorktown. The figure on the 1. Peace, with a laurel wreath. 
On the four walls are medallion portraits of Washington's 
first Cabinet: S., Thomas JelFerson, Secretary of State; E., 
Henry Knox, Secretary of War, and Alexander Hamilton, 
Secretary cf the Treasury ; W., Edmund Randolph, Attorney 
General, aad S. Osgood, Postmaster General. Under the 
cornice are a nunber of small copper-colored medallions, rep- 
resenting the coats of arms of the States. The rest of the 
walls are artistically decorated in arabesques. Overhead are 
four corner -pieces in fresco : the first of Columbus, with a 
globe and early instruments of navigation, representing Dis- 
covery ; likeness from a portrait in Mexico. Diagonally oppo- 
site, Americus Vespuccius, with charts and telescope, Explo- 
ration, from a painting in Florence. William Brewster, with 
an open Bible, representing Religion; and diagonally opposite, 
Benjamin Franklin, with manuscript and printing-press, or 
History. Four. medallion pieces between these represent 
Religion, Liberty, Legislation, and Executive. The medal- 
lion from which the chandelier is suspended is enriched with 
three infant figures, supporting an American flag. The ceilings 
are further embellished. The entire decoration is by Brumidi. 
The room is the most richly decorated in the United States. 
The floors are beautifully tiled. There are three large mir- 
rors in the walls. In winter the room is richly carpeted and 
furnished. 

42. Senate Committee on Enrolled Bills 

43. Closets. 

44. Senate Committee on Appropriations. — Tinted walls. 



CAPITOL INTERIOK. !)5 

4'5. Elevator, — At the end of the corridor from the lobby 
is a screw elevator, beautifully designed and luxuriously fur- 
nished, for the use of Senators. It runs from the basement 
to the corridors of the attic story, and is fitted up with a 
double engine : cost $10,000. 

46 to 50. Offices of the Senate. — 40. Engrossing and en- 
rolling clerks. 47. Chief clerk. 48. Executive clerk. 49. 
Secretary of the Senate. 50. Financial clerk. 

51. Western Grand Staircase. — Constructed of white marble. 
The design is the same as the E. one, already described, and 
leads directly to the gentlemen's and reporters' galleries. 
The view of this staircase, looking upwards from "the first 
landing of the steps leading to the basement, is supremely 
beautiful. The highly-polished white-marble blockings, en- 
tablatures, steps, balustrades, and columns, with their exquis- 
itely-wrought capitals, of the same material, strike the eye 
with the magnificence of its architectural design and execu- 
tion. The light thrown in from above adds to the charm of 
the scene which greets the vision. The sombre hue of the 
Tennessee marble employed in the E. staircase, though pre- 
senting a richer appearance, does not effectively bring out 
the beauties of workmanship bestowed upon these striking 
features of the interior fitting of the Capitol Extensions. 

Opposite the foot of the staircase, in a niche, on the main 
floor, is the statue of John Hancock, President of the Conti- 
nental Congress which signed and promnlgated the Declara- 
tion of Independence, 1776. The statue is semi-heroic; exe- 
cuted in 1860, in marble, by Horatio Stone ; cost $5,500. 

At the head of the first flight of steps against the W. wall 
is the Storming of Chapultejjec, by Walker, 1ST. Y. Ordered 
in 1860, cost $6,000. This painting was originally intended 
for the room of the Committee on Military Affairs. It rep- 
resents the storming of the castle of Chapultepec, Sept. 13, 
1847, by the American army, under Gen. Scott. The castle, 
one of the defenses of the city of Mexico, crowned an emi- 
nence 900 ft. high, and was taken \>y means of scaling-lad- 
ders. The particular moment of the conflict is the consulta- 
tion between Gen. Quitman and several of the officers of the 
advance division. The batteries at the foot of the hill were 
taken, and the approach to the city by the aqueduct lay open. 
The hill-side is already occupied by the United States rifles. 
Gen. Quitman, mounted, appears on the 1. of the painting. 
Gen. Shields is without his coat, and wounded. Near at hand 
are Lieuts. AVilcox and Towers, of the engineers. On the 1. 
stands a section of Drum's batterv. In the rear, advancing 



96 



CAPITOL INTERIOR. 



to thesupport of Casey's troops, are the Pennsylvania, New York, and South 
Carolina volunteers, bearing their State colors, and commanded by Geary, 
Baxter, and Gladden. Xicontenca, the Mexican commander, is killed. Gen. 
Persifor F. Smith, with the rifles, confronts the enemy's breastworks, and 
points to the retreating Mexicans, who are fleeing by the aqueduct. 

CENTRAL BUILDING— SOUTH WING. 

52. South Door of Rotunda, leading to the National Statuary Hall and 
House of Representatives. 

53. Vestibule, crowned by a dome and cupola, and modeled from a Greek 
temple. The capitals of the columns are ornamented with the leaf of the cot- 
ton plant, instead of the acanthus. The flower of the cotton plant also enriches 
the centre of the caissons. This vestibule corresponds with that on the N. side. 
The door on the 1. leads to the basement staircase, (19,) very beautiful in 
design. 

54 and 55. Document Room, House of Representatives. — These are for 
the supply of bills and documents for the current use of members of the House. 

56. Stationery Room of the House of Representatives. 

57. House Committee on Banking and Currency. — When representa- 
tives occupied the old Hall, now the Hall of Statuary, this room was set apart 
for the use of the Speaker. It was to this room that John Quincy Adams was 
conveyed after he fell at his seat in the House, February 23, 1848, and it was 
here that he died, two days after. A marble console on the west wall supports 

an excellent bust of Adams, by J. C. King, 1845, $ , placed here in com- 

memo>-~ f 'nn of this sad event. 






Houdon's Washington — Historical Clock — David's Jefferson. ' 

68. .National Statuary Hall. — This magnificent Hall, for- 
merly used as the place of meeting* of the House of Repre- 
sentatives, is Grecian in design, having been planned and 
adapted, by Latrobe, after the remains of the Theatre at Ath<- 
ens. It consists of a semi-circle of 96 ft. chord. The ends 
of the prostyle and peristyle are separated by a wide project- 
ing surface of freestone, which rises to the top of the order 
and supports a segment arch, which corresponds with the 
segment of the vaulted ceiling that crowns the hall and ends 
against it. To the top of the entablature blocking is 35 ft., 
and to the apex of the domed ceiling 57 ft. The semi-peri- 



CAPITOL INTERIOR. 97 

style or circular colonnade on the IN", is composed of 14 col- 
umns and 2 antne, of the Corinthian order ; the shafts of solid 
blocks of variegated marble or breccia, quarried from the 
banks of the Potomac, above the city. The bases are free- 
stone. The capitals are of Carrara marble, executed in Italy, 
and designed after those in the Temple of Jupiter Stator at 
Rome — HacLfield says after the capitals of the Lantern of De- 
mos at Athens. The entablature is of the proportions used 
in the former temple, ornamented with dentils and modil- 
lons, enriched with leaves and roses. The floor is of marble. 
A paneled dome springs overhead. The apex of the dome 
is pierced by a circular aperture, crowned by a lantern, serv- 
ing the double purpose of light and ventilation. The dome 
is similar to that of the Pantheon at Rome. On the S. side 
of the hall, forming the loggia, are 8 columns and 2 antse of 
the same style as the peristyle. Over the entablature of this 
colonnade springs a beautiful 72 ft. chord. On the blocking 
of the cornice beneath is a figure of Liberty, in plaster, by 
Caucici, 1829, originally intended for execution in marble. 
The figure, seen from the gallaries in front, produces a strik- 
ing effect, and is in every respect worthy of the pupil of the 
great Canova. On the r. is the frustum of a column, around 
which a serpent, the emblem of wisdom, is entwining itself, 
and at the feet of the figure is an American eagle. In the 
frieze of the entablature, under this figure, is sculptured an 
eagle in stone, with outspread wings, the work of Valaperti, 
and of very superior merit. The gallery over the loggia was 
set apart for the ladies, having cushioned seats for the accom- 
modation of 200 persons : the general gallery would seat 500. 
Over the 1ST. door stands an exquisitely designed and beauti- 
fully executed clock in marble, by Chas. Franzoni, 1830. His- 
tory, her drapery floating in the air, is represented as standing 
in the winged car of Time and recording passing events. The 
car is placed on a globe, on which, in basso relievo, are cut 
the signs of the zodiac. The hours are marked on the face of 
the wheel of the car. 

In July, 1864, a paragraph in an appropriation bill passed 
by Congress authorized the President of the United States 
to invite each and all the States to furnish statues, in marble 
or bronze, not exceeding two in number for each State, of 
deceased persons who have been citizens thereof and illustri- 
ous for their historic renown, or for distinguished civic or mili- 
tary service, as the States determine, worthy of this national 
commemoration, when so furnished to be placed in the old 
Hall of the House of Representatives, in the Capitol of the 
United States, which is set apart for a National Statuary 
Hall. 



98 PRINCIPAL STORY. 

It is to be regretted that so many years have already been 
permitted to pass with so small a recognition of the grandeur 
of this projected National Gallery. 

The State contributions in the order received are — 



Rhode Island. — 1871. Nathaniel Greene, marble,' life-size, H. K. Brown, 
1869, attired in full regimentals of a Major-General in the Continental army, re- 
presented as pledging the service of his sword to his country. 

Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, and promoter of civil and re- 
ligious liberty in America; marble, life-size, Franklin Simmons, 1870, robed in 
the dress of the early colonist. The pedestals are of Rhode Island red granite. 

Connecticut. — 1872. yonathan Trumbull, an eminent patriot of the Rev- 
olution, and from whom the term "Brother Jonathan" originated on account 
of his skill in expedients to meet the necessities of the Continental Govern- 
ment. Marble, heroic, C. B. Ives, 1869. 

Roger Sherman , one of the committee to draft the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence. Marble, heroic, C. B. Ives, 1870; represented in Continental civil attire 
The pedestals are of Vermont marble. 

New York. — 1873 George Clinton, a signer of the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence, General of the Revolution Governor ot New York and Vice President of 
the United States. Bronze, life-size, H K. Brown, 1873. Robert Wood & 
Co., Phila., founders : represented in Continental military dress. 

Robert R. Livingston, First Chancellor of New York, who administered the 
oath of office to George Washington upon his inauguration as President of the 
United States, March, 1789. Bronze, life-size, E. D. Palmer, 1874. Barbe- 
dienne, Paris, founders, represented in the chancellor's robes, and holding by his 
side the treaty for the cession of Louisiana by France to the United States, 
which he successfully consummated. The robe and lace work is artistic. 

Massachusetts. — 1876. John Winthrop, first Governor of Massachusetts, 
landing with the charter of 1630. Marble, semi-heroic, Richard S. Greenough, 
1875, represented in the costume of the times. 

Samuel Adams, an early advocate of liberty. Marble, semi-heroic, Anne 
Whitney, 1876, represented in colonial dress and protesting to the Royal Gov- 
ernor against the presence of British troops, using the memorable words : 
" Night is approaching, an immediate answer is expected, both regiments or 
none." March 6, J770. 

Vermont. — 1876 Ethan Allen. Marble, heroic, L C.Mead, 1875, represented 
in the uniform of a Continental officer, with drawn sword and flashing eye, de- 
manding the surrender of Ticonderoga in the name of " the Great Jehovah and 
the Continental Congress." 

In addition ro these State contributions the Hall contains a plaster copy of 
the statue of George Washington, at Richmond, life-size, by Houdon, 1788 re- 
presenting the father of his country in civic attire, with a staff in his hand, his 
cloak and sword resting on a bundle of lictors' rods, and with a rude plow in 
the rear; the superb semi-heroic statues of Alexander Hamilton, marble, by 
Horatio Stone, 1868, $ic, 000 ; ihe'first Secretary of the Treasury General 
E D. Baker, killed in the rebellion. Marble, by Horatio Stone, 1875, $10,000 ; 
representing him as a Senator of the United States ; and Thomas Jefferson, 
bronze, by the celebrated French sculptor, P. T. David D Angers, 1833, Fondu 
a Paris, par Honore Conon et ses deux Fils ; representing the author of the 
Declaration as just having signed that instrument of American liberty; the 
statue was presented by Uriah Phillips Levy, of theU. S. N., 1833, but was 
not accepted until 1874. The pedestal is a superb piece of work, in four vari- 
eties of marble, executed by Struthers, of Philadelphia. The other works are 
a statue of Abraham Lincoln, marble, Vinnie Ream, 1866, $15,000; busts 
of Abraham Lincoln, marble, Mrs. Sarah Fisher Ames, 1868, $2,000; T. 
Kosciuszko, marble, H. D. Saunders, 1857, $500; and Thomas Crawford, 
scuipt.;:-. by h'rrise'f. 



UAPITOL INTKKKW:. 



i) l J 



Of the few paintings are a Washington, by Gilbert Stuart, 1796, painted from 
life for the Chesttnut family of South Carolina, purchased 1875, $1,200; and two 
portraits of Benjamin West, of Pennsylvania, President of the Royal Academy 

of Fine Arts, London, painted by himself, 1810, $ ; Gunning Bedford, z. 

signer of the Declaration of Independence, presented ; Charles Carroll, of 

Carrollton, by Chester Harding, 18—, $ ; and Joshua Giddings, Miss 

Ransom, 18— ; a mosaic of Abraham Lincoln, by Salviati, of Venice, a man- 
ufacturer. 

At times works of art are placed in this hall on exhibition 
This is, however, without the authority of Congress. 

It is proposed also to tit up this Hall with upper and lower 
galleries, with panels and niches, the former to be occupied 
by portraits of Speakers of the House of Representatives. 

When the Hall was occupied by the House, the Speaker's 
chair stood on the S. side, upon an open rostrum about four 
feet above the floor, enclosed by a bronze balustrade. Rich 
crimson curtains fell in elegant folds from the capitals of the 
columns, and were separated so as to form luxurious dra- 
peries as a background to the chair and rostrum. Below and 
in front of the Speaker's rostrum stood the Clerk's desk, 
raised on a variegated socle. Upon this stood a rich mahog- 
any table, with damask silk curtains. This platform was 
reached by steps on either side. Between the columns were 
sofas and accommodations for twenty reporters. 

The members' desks, of mahogany, with arm chairs, were 
arranged in concentric circles, the aisles forming radii from 
the centre. The Hall was arranged for 232 members. In the 
rear of the outer row of desks was a bronzed iron railing with 
curtains, constituting the bar of the House. Outside of this 
was the lobby. The panels on either side of the ladies' gal- 
lery contained full-length portraits of Washington by Van- 
derlyn, and Lafayette by Ary Scheffer, a present from the 
distinguished Frenchman upon his last visit to the United 
States. These are now in the House of Representatives. 
Under these were copies of the Declaration of Independence, 
in frames emblematically ornamented. At night the Hall was 
lighted by "solar gas" from a chandelier at the apex of the 
dome. This Hall was occupied by Congress for 32 years. 
During the first days of the Rebellion, 1861-'65, troops were 
quartered in it. In 1862 it was used as a hospital for the sick 
and wounded of the army ; and in 1864, by act of Congress, 
was set apart for its present appropriate purpose. 

59. Corridor, connecting the S. wing of the centre or old 



100 PRINCIPAL STORY. 

building with the S. Extension, occupied by the House of 
Representatives. This is the same as No. 22. Opposite is 
the mam door to the floor of the House of Representatives. 

SOUTH, OR HOUSE EXTENSION. 

This portion of the building corresponds, in its general fea- 
tures, with the Senate Extension, the larger size of the Hal] 
of Representatives causing simply a narrowing of the outer 
corridors. 

60. Northern Corridor, beautifully designed, especially the ceiling, which 
is diversified with lunettes and circular and groined arches. 

61. Eastern Corridor, leading to the Eastern Grand Staircase and House 
Lobby. At the S. end of this corridor is the office of the Government telegraph, 
connected, by means of wires under the building, with the office and subterran- 
ean cable in the N. Extension. (See No. 23.) 

62. Western Corridor, leading to the Western Grand Staircase and the 
offices and Lobby of the House. 

63. House Committee on Military Affairs. — Here is a series of seventeen 
paintings, executed in i87o-'7i, by Lieut-Col. Seth Eastman, a retired officer 
of the U. S. A, representing some of the principal forts of the United States, 
the Military Academy at West Point, and Fort Sumpter before and after the 
bombardment. A case of breech-loading arms used in the army stands against 
the west wall. 

64. Eastern Grand Staircase, leading to the galleries. (For their divi- 
sion, see Plan of attic story, Nos. 50 to 55.) The staircase is of Tennessee 
marble, bronze capitals and white marble steps, and in every particular of de- 
sign, measurement, and execution similar to that in the same position in the 
Senate Extension. In the niche at the foot is the superb Statue of Jefferson, 
by Hiram Powers, 1863 ; cost $10,000, executed in Italy. Against the E. wall, 
over the first landing, is a life-size portrait of Henry Clay, John Neagle, 1843, 
$500. 

65. Main Door. — This very prominent entrance is still without the embel- 
lishments of art. Mr. Crawford, the designer of the bronze door of the N. 
Extension, at the same time received an order for one for the S. The death of 
the sculptor, who had already completed the designs, prevented the execution 
of work on the second door. The models, however, were completed by his 
pupil, Rhinehart, for which the latter received $9,000, but have been since their 
completion stowed away in a dark vault, near the Undercroft. The door will 
represent scenes in the life of Washington. 

66. Vestibule. — This beautiful vestibule consists of 8 fluted columns in 
couples, two on either side. The capitals are enriched with leaves of acanthus, 
tobacco and corn. The ceilings are paneled, and the walls tinted and broken 
by 8 niches, with Tennessee marble bases. 

67. House Committee on Ways and Means. — A fine department, richly 
decorated in the renaissance style, diversified with American shields, foliage, 
birds and fruit. 

68. House Committee on Appropriations. — Room decorated and pan- 
eled in distemper and encaustic by Strieby, 1873. The fruit pieces and repre- 
sentation of moulding are particularly well executed. The door near by leads 
to a vestibule which opens into the House Lobby. The bronze staircase (35) 
is the same as those adjacent so the Senate Lobby. 

69. Reporters of Debates. — This room was originally used as the Mem- 
bers' Reception Room. The walls a)e tinted, and the groined arches overhead 
are decorated in arabesque in fresco. 

jo. Lobby of the House of Representatives. — The lobby, which may 
be entered in company with a member during the sessions of the House, has 
an iron-paneled ceiling, highly esn'iched in oil, the decoration being that in 
vogue during the 15th centurv. On ;he. r. are doors opening into the Hall. 



PRINCIPAL STORY. 

71 Haii of the Representatives — or the "House of Rep- 
resentatives," occupies the centre of the main floor of the S. 
Extension of the Capitol. The dimensions of this superb 
legislative hall, the finest in the world, are : length, 139 ft. ; 
width, 93 ft. ; height. 3G ft. The measurement of the floor 
is 115 ft. by 67 ft. The form of the hall is a parallelogram, 
with a range of galleries on the four sides, and capable of 
seating about 2,500 persons. Beneath these galleries, against 
the N., E., and W. walls, are cloak and retiring rooms. 
Under the galleries, over the back of the Speaker's chair, is 
the lobby. 

Upon the floor of the Hall are oak desks for 302 members 
and delegates, arranged in 7 concentric semi-circles, facing 
the S. The aisles diverge from the Speaker's "desk." The 
latter is raised about 3 ft. from the floor. In front art desks 
for the clerks of the House, and still in front desks for the 
official reporters. These are made of white marble, with a 
base of Tennessee, and are extremely beautiful. The clock 
marks the morning hour and limit of debate. E. of the 
Speaker is a circular pedestal of Vermont marble, upon which 
the mace or insignia of authority is placed when the House is 
in session. When not in use, this may be seen in the room of 
the Sergeant-at-Arms in the SE. end of the lobby. It con- 
sists of a bundle of Actor's rods, bound together by silver liga- 
tures, and surmounted by a silver terrestial globe, crowned by 
the American eagle. Against the wall on the same side is a 
full-length portrait of Washington, by Vanderlyn, 1834, and 
in the corresponding position on the W. a similar portrait of 
the Marquis de Lafayette,by Ary Scheffer,1822, the celebrated 
French artist. The latter was presented to Congress by La- 
fayette upon his last visit to the United States. In the W. 
panel of the S. wall, under the gallery, is a fresco by Bru- 
midi, representing Washington at Yorktown receiving the 
officer sent by Cornwallis to ask a two days' cessation of hos- 
tilities, and in place of which two hours were granted. The 
fresco was necessarily finished in great haste. The location 
is also unsuitable. Over the N". door is a clock, surmounted 
by an eagle, and supported on either side by figures of an In- 
dian and hunter. 

The ceiling of the Hall is of cast iron, paneled, and highly 
enriched with gilt moldings, and supported on a decorated 
cornice. There are 45 panels, filled with glass of appropriate 
design, 37 witli stained centre pieces, representing the coats 
of arms of the States. There are two outer rows of panels, 
that nearest the walls consisting of open work witli massive 
pendants in the centre. The iron frame-work of the panels 
is beautifully Dainted and gilded. Between the ceiling and 



PRINCIPAL STORY. 

iaeroof of the building is the illuminating loft, which also 
accommodates the truss-work connecting the frame of the 
ceiling with the roof, in order to secure increased strength. 
Inside the panels are gas jets, numbering about 1,500, lighted 
by electricity, and which, during night sessions, shed a mel- 
low light upon the Hall beneath. The Hall is heated and 
ventilated by the same means as devised for the Senate. 

During a recess or adjournment of the House visitors can 
enter upon the floor. If the other doors should be found 
closed, one of those in the lobby is generally open. When 
the body is in session, the rules allow the privileges of the 
floor to the following persons: Senators; their Secretary; 
Judges of the Supreme Court; Foreign Ministers; Judges of 
the Court of Claims; Governors of States; heads of depart- 
ments ; Secretary of the Senate ; President's private secre- 
tary ; Senators and Representatives elect, and such persons 
as have by name received the thanks of Congress, and ex- 
members not interested in any claims before Congress and 
who shall so register themselves. 

72. Hall Library, for the use of members in debate. 
73 and 74. Cloak Eooms. 

75. Key and Store -Eoom. 

76. Sergeant-at-Arms. — In this room the Mace, or insignia 
of authority of the House of Representatives, is kept when 
the House is not in session. 

77. Speaker's Eoom — This room is set apart for the use of 
the Speaker of the House of Representatives. It is finished 
in iron. The pilasters, cornice, and ceiling are of iron, en- 
riched with gilt. In the centre panel, overhead, is a massive 
representation of a cluster of acorns. On the walls are en- 
gravings or photographs of the Speakers of the House of 
Representatives since the first organization of the body. The 
mirrors, hangings of the curtains, and furniture are all in 
keeping. 

78. .Private Room of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

79. Closets. 

80 to 83. Offices of the House of Eepresentatives.— 80, 
Clerk of the House; 81, Chief Clerk; 82, Engrossing and 
Smolliug Clerks; 83, File Room. 



ATTIC STORY. 

84. Western Grand Staircase.— This staircase is the 
same in material and construction as that on the E. At 
the foot is the head of Bee-she-kee, The Buffalo, a Chip- 
pewa warrior from the sources of the Mississippi, from na- 
ture by F. Vincenti, 1854 ; copied in bronze by Joseph Las- 
salle, 1858. Opposite, over the first landing, is Westward 
Ho, a chromo-silica, by Emanuel Leutze, 1862, $20,000. The 
best view is from the balustrade at the top of the staircase. 

The painting represents an emigrant train crossing the Rocky Mountains. 
A guide to these wild regions leads the way. The faces of the travel-worn 
emigrants beam with hope. In the distant valley in the rear is an emigrant 
camp. The snow-clad peaks and rugged rocks all appear in their wild sublim- 
ity. Above are the words " Westward the Course of Empire takes its way," 
and below is the " Golden Gate," the entrance to the harbor of San Francisco. 
In the border on the N. is a portrait of Daniel Boone, and opposite is a portrait 
of Capt. William Clarke. 

The view of the Golden Gate was painted as an act of friendship by Albert 
Bierstadt, he being more familiar with the subject than Mr. Leutze. 

85, 86. Committee on Naval Affairs. 

c. c. c. c. — Courts. 

The floors of both extensions are paved with encaustic tiles laid in beautiful 
patterns. 

ATTIC STORY. 
1 and 2. Store-rooms of the Library of the United States. 
CENTRAL BUILDING— NORTH WING. 

3. Steps to the Dome and Electrician's Rooms. — No. 11 on the prin- 
cipal floor leads to the Dome. {For ascent see No. II, Principal Story.) The 
steps turning to the right leads to the rooms occupied by the Electrician of the 
Capitol, the first of which entered is the 

4. Electric-Battery Room. — This domical apartment rests on the dome of 
the Greek vestibule, and contains a number of cells of improved batteries suffi- 
cient to supply the electricity for lighting the Capitol where this means is used. 
There is also a battery for the use ot the official telegraph, 

5. Electrician's Office, reached across No. 4. Here will be found a num- 
ber of working models of electric-lighting apparatus. The attendant in charge 
will make the necessary explanation. If desired, visitors will be afforded an 
electric shock. The lighting of the various portions of the Capitol by this 
means was introduced in 1865. The gas is supplied from the city. For indi- 
cator, keys, and instruments for lighting the Dome, see 9 Principal Story. 

6. 7, and 8. Library of the Senate (reached from 21 Principal Story, opeti 
every day). This embraces a collection of official documents printed by order 
of either House of Congress, the journals, debates, and proceedings of each; 
statutes ; U. S. Supreme Court reports; law books ; special works of reference 
relating to legislation, and files of newspapers. The library occupies the adja- 
cent lofts, and in the aggregate comprises 25,000 vols. It is designed for the ex- 
clusive use of Senators. 

NORTH OR SENATE EXTENSION. 

9, 11, 12, and 13. Senate Document Room, reached from 16, Attic Story, 
contains files and extra copies of all bills, laws, reports, and other official docu« 
ments printed by order of Congress, or either brancn, and for the etirrent sup- 
ply of Senators. 

[10. Senate Committee on Civil Service.] 

14. Eastern Grand Staircase. — For Description see 28 Prin- 



ATTIC fcTORY. 



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ATTIC STORY. ., 

cipal Story. From the balustrade on this story the best 
view of the painting of Perry's Victory may be had. 

15. Ladies' Gallery. — See No. 38 Principal Story; also Diagrams. 

16. Southern Corridor, connects the Eastern and Western Corridors. 
It is beautifully designed, having three central groined and two outer circular 
arches, with elaborate foliation, shields, eagles, and other emblematic decora- 
tions in stucco. 

17. Reserved Gallery for families of Senators. See No. 38 Principal 
Story ; also Diagrams . 

18. Reserved Gallery for the Diplomatic Corps. See No 38 Principal 
Story ; also Diagrams. 

19. Gentlemen's Galleries. — See No. 38 Principal Story; also j.-iagraws. 

20. Press Reporters' Gallery, with desks for about 40, and seats for as 
many more representatives of the press. 

2i. Ladies' Gallery. — See No. 38 Principal Story ; also Diagrams. 
The Senate galleries will seat about 1,200 persons, and are entered by 12 
doors opening from the adjacent corridors. 

22. Ladies' Retiring Room. — A handsomely-furnished apartment, with 
mirrors and every convenience. A matron is in constant attendance. 

23. Hall. — Overhead is a broad circular arch, pierced in the centre by a 
stained-glass skylight, and enriched with fruits, flowers, and grains in stucco. 
The walls are tinted, and in the pilasters are stucco enrichments of American 
shields, and emblematic representatives of mechanics, commerce, fisheries, 
and plenty. 

In this hall are the celebrated paintings of the Grand Canon of the Yellow- 
stone and Chasm of the Colorado, by Thomas Moran. of Pennsylvania, pur- 
chased immediately after execution, by Congress, respectively in 1872-4, for 
$10,000 each. The scene of the former lies in the Rocky Mountains, National 
Yellowstone Park, the headwaters of the Yellowstone river at the_ lower 
fall in the N. W. corner of Wyoming. The scene of the second is at a 
point on the Kai-Bab plateau in Arizona, about 60 m. S. of the Utah line. 

24. Ante-Room. — Exclusively for ladies, and opens into the Ladies' Gal- 
lery and Retiring-Roo7ii. The ceiling and walls are beautifully embellished 
in stucco. 

25. Senate Committee on Private Land Claims. 

26. Senate Committee on Claims. — Without decoration. 

27. Senate Committee on Revolutionary Claims. — No decoration. 

28. Eastern Corridor. — Leads to the Committee Rooms, Ladies' Galleries 
and Retiring Rooms, the E. Grand Staircase and the S. Corridor. 

29 and 30. Senate Committee on Printing. — No decoration. 

31. Western Corridor. — Leads to the Committee Rooms and Gentle- 
men's and Reporters' Galleries, the W. Grand Staircase, and S. Corridor. 

32. Western Grand Staircase. — See jr Principal Story. From the bal- 
ustrade on this floor the best view of the painting of the Storming of Chapulte- 
fiecmay be had. 

33 and 34. Senate Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds. 

35. To the Illuminating Loft. 

36. Senate Committee on Transportation. — Entered through 37. 

37. Senate Committee on Pacific Railroads. — Tinted walls, and with- 
out decoration. 

38. Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections. 

39. Elevator for use of Senators. (See Principal Story, 45.) 

40. Senate Committee on Commerce. — A fine apartment, without deco- 
ration. 

41. Senate Committee on Mines and Mining. — A small room, without 
special attraction. 

42. Ante Room opening into No. 43 and Gentlemen's Galleries. 

43. Press Reporters' Retiring Room.— A fine apartment, furnished for 
the use of members of the press entitled to the privileges of the gallery. There 
is also a branch telegraph office for the convenience of the press during the 
sessions of Congress. 



ATTIC STORY. 

MAIN BUILDING- SOUTH WING. 

44. Store Room for House Library. — Entered by the door in the gallery- 
over the north door of the Statuary Hall. 

45. Store Room connected with the document room of the House of Rep- 
resentatives. 

46. Store Room of House Library. The room south is used for the same 
purpose. 

SOUTH OR " HOUSE" EXTENSION. 

47. Eastern Grand Staircase. — See 64 Principal Story. The adjacent 
corridor leads to the Northern Corridor , Galleries, and Ladies' Retiring 
Rooms. 

48. Northern Corridor. — The ceiling presents an interesting combination 
of circular flanked by groined arches and lunettes richly embellished with em- 
blematic figures and arabesques in stucco. 

49. Library of the House of Representatives. — This is entered from 
the Northern Corridor. In this room are 15,000 volumes, though the entire 
library comprises 150,000 volumes, which embraces the floor library of the 
House of Representatives {Principal Story , 72) and the libraries of commit- 
tees. Owing to want of suitable accommodation, the galleries outside the 
peristyle of the Hall of Statuary and 44 and 46 Attic Story, are used for the 
storage of books. It is proposed, after the erection of a building for the accom- 
modation of the Library of the United States, to assign the magnificent suit of 
library halls {Principal Story, j and 6) to the uses of the documentary libraries 
of the two Houses of Congress. 

50. Ladies' Galleries. — See No. 71 Principal Story ; also Diagrams. 

51. Reserved Galleries for families of Members of the House of Repre- 
sentatives. See No 71 Principal Story ; also Diagrams. 

52. Reserved Gallery for members of the Diplomatic Corps. See No. 71 
Principal Story ; also Diagrajns. 

53. Press Reporters' Gallery, with desks and seats for about one hundred 
representatives of the press. . • 

54. Reserved Gallery, exclusively for Ladies. 

55. Gentlemen's Gallery. — See No. 71 Principal Story ; also Diagrams. 
The House Galleries will seat about 2,500 persons. 

56. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. — No special attractions. 

57. House C'>mmittee on the Judiciary. — The room is tinted and en- 
riched with stucco. 

58. House Committee on Commerce — Walls simply tinted. 

59. House Committee on Public Lands — No special attractions. 

60 and 61. Ladies' Retiring Rooms. — Neatly and comfortably furnished 
and possessing every convenience. A matron is in constant attendance. 
These rooms are entered from the eastern corridor and gallery. 

62. Press Reporters' Retiring Room, (entered through 64 and 63 from 
the western corridor,) and for the use of those entitled to the privileges of the 
gallery. There are conveniences for writing dispatches. Adjoining is a small 
cloak-room. 

63. Press Telegraph Office (open during the sessions of Congress). 
Twenty-four wires leave the building by means of three ten-wire cables, and 
beyond the Capitol Grounds, S., connect with the lines for all parts of the 
United States. There are also ten wires leading under the building to the 
Senate Office, and six wires to the connecting corridor, (59 Principal Story.) 
A switch enables the operators to form a connection with the lines to any part 
of the United States. 

64. Ante-Room leading from the western corridor to the Press Telegraph 
Office and Reporters' Retiring Room. 

65. House Committee on Pacific Railroads and Revolutionary 
Claims. 

66. House Committee on Elections. —No attractions of special interest 
67. — House Committee on Railways and Canals.— No special decora- 

tion. 

68.— House Committee on the District of Columbia. 



BASEMENT STORY. 107 

69 and 70. House Committees on the Militia and Mileage. 

71. Western Grand Stai'case. — See 84, Principal Story. The adjacent 
corridor leads to the Northern Corridor, the Galleries, Committee Rooms, 
Press Telegraph Office, and Reporters' Retiring Room. 

c. c. c. c. — Courts. 

The floors of the attic story of the N. and S. extensions are laid with encaus- 
tic tiles of elegant design. 

BASEMENT STORY— SENATE EXTENSION. 

1. Western Stairway and Corridor. — The former as- 
cends to the principal story. The corridors of the Senate 
basement present an interesting exhibition of the decorative 
art. The vaulted ceilings throughout are in distemper, and 
all below the spring of the arches in oil. The walls and 
pilasters are in the style of the 15th century, as employed in 
the loggia of Raphael in the Vatican at Rome, with centre 
medallions of illustrious Americans, and introductions from 
the natural history of America. The ceilings are in the 
same style, with introductions of modern inventions and 
American landscape. The birds, animals, and reptiles are 
studies from the collection in the museum in the Smithson- 
ian Institution, drawn by Brumidi, and painted by Leslie. 
The decoration of the basement commenced in 1855. The 
medallions and finer parts are by Brumidi, while the de- 
tails are by others. 

The profiles in medallions of the panels represent prominent personages 
in the struggle for independence. At the N. end are the 12 signs of the 
Zodiac ; also landscapes of Day and Night. Over the door of the room 
of the Com. on Mil. Affairs is a spirited fresco representing America ac- 
coutred for war, and surr unded by the implements of martial strife ; opposite 
the foot of the grand staircase, Las Casas, the early friend of the red man; 
over the door of the room of the Committee on Indian Affairs, Columbus land- 
ing and beholding the beauty of an Indian maiden, typical of the lands he had 
discovered, and opposite is America seated with drawn sword, reading from 
the Constitution and the laws on the one hand, with Justice standing on the 
other, all by Brumidi. 

2. Senate Committee on Revision of the Laws. — Tinted. 

3. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. — This room was originally in- 
tended for the use of the Committee on Agriculture. In the pilasters and bands 
are fruit pieces. Under the arches are typical groups of agricultural products 
and implements. In the groined ceiling is a centre-piece of grapes and leaves 
well executed. The general decoration consists of arabesques and gilt. The 
4 border pieces represent seasons and showers, flowers, grains, and fruits. The 
foliage is specially well executed. The ceiling is distemper and the walls oil; 
executed by Castens, a German. 

4. Senate Heating and Ventilating Apparatus. — See Sub-basement 
Story. 

5. Senate Committee on the District of Columbia. — Tinted. 

6. Senate Committee on Library. — The vaulted ceiling is adorned with 
fresco and gilt, and medallion pieces representing Sculpture, Astronomy, Ar- 
chitecture and Painting. The w^.lls are laid out in a broad panel or border. 

7. Senate Committee on Military Affairs. — The ceilings are frescoed 
with victors' wreaths, shields, and other emblems of war. On the walls and 
pilasters are representations of arms and armor of different periods, nations, 
and races, ancient and modern. The pilasters were painted by Leslie. The 
sword across the shield in the centre pilaster is a copy of the siuord of Wash- 
ington. On the W. wall is a medallion head of Liberty, surrounded by flags 
and weapons of war. Under the arches are 5 historic subjects, in fresco, by 



108 



BASEMENT STOKY. 



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BASEMENT STORY. 109 

Erumidi ; N., Boston Massacre, 1770. S., Battle of Lexington, 1775. N., 
Death 0/ Wooster, during the British invasion of Connecticut, 1777. S., 
Washington at Valley Forge, 1778. The three prominent figures in the fore- 
ground are Washington, with Lafayette on his 1. and Gen. Green on r. E., 
Storming of Stony Point by Anthony Wayne, 1779. Wayne, wounded, is be- 
ing carried into the fort. 

8.. Senate Committee on Naval Affairs. — The general design of decora- 
tion is Pompeia/i, by Brumidi. The principal features of the ceilings are fresco 
representations of marine gods and goddesses and an Indian female. Under 
the arches are representations of ancient porticoes with antique vessels. The 
walls, painted in oil, are divided into nine panels, with blue background and 
figures representing attributes of the navy as centre-pieces. The pilasters are 
scagliola, by French artists. 

9. Elevator. — (See Principal Story, No. 45.) 

10. The Senate Committee on the Judiciary. — The wall decoration con- 
sists of figured panels and the vaulted ceiling, elaborate arabesques, varied by 
flower pieces and 4 medallions, each containing cherubs respectively bearing 
olive branches, fasces, quiver, and band with motto, E pluribus unutn. 

11. Closets. 

12. Northern Corridor. — In the arch over the E. end are introductions of 
improved agricultural implements. In the demi-lunette over the door to the 
room of the Committee on Foreign Relations (No. 20) is a fresco representation 
of the signing of the provisional articles for treaty of peace between the United 
States and his Britannic Majesty, Nov. 30, 1782, from an unfinished picture by 
Benjamin West, a copy of which was left by Senator Sumner, of Massachusetts. 
The fresco over the door of the room of the Committee on Territories (No. 13) 
represents the negotiation of the cession of Louisiana to the United States by 
France. In the pilasters are subjects from the natural history of America, and 
the medallion centres of ihe paneling of the walls contain profiles of Revolu- 
tionary heroes. At the W. end are some fine specimens of bird painting. 

13. Senate Committee on Territories. — Ceiling frescoed in arabesques, 
walls richly paneled. 

14. Bronze Staircase. — (See JVo. 35 Principal Story.) 

15. Senate Stationery Room. — No decoration. 

16. Senate Committee on Agriculture. — No decoration. 

17. Main Corridor. — Near the N. door is richly frescoed overhead, but is 
unfinished. At the base of the spans are landscapes. In the medallions are 
profiles. The decoration of the ceilings of the broad corridor beyond is unfin- 
ished. In the pilasters are sketches of American landscape. The smaller 
halls beyond are enriched overhead with foliage, vines, and four American 
eagles, and representations of banners and implements of war. 

18. Senate Committee on Contingent Expenses. 

19. Superintendent Senate Folding Room. 

20. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. — On the ceiling, in dis- 
temper, are four well-executed eagles, and under the arches, in oil, four medal- 
lions, containing profiles of chairmen of the committee : Clay N., Allen S., 
Cameron E., Sumner W. The walls are artistically paneled. The medallions 
are by Brumidi, and the rest of the room by Castens. 

21. Hall. — The decoration is varied with emblematic figures. The female 
figures denote peace and plenty. In the S. arch, overhead, are four pieces, re- 
presenting navigation, geography, the industrial arts, and science. In the N. 
band are mechanics and the agricultural products of the northern States, and 
S. band commerce and the products of the southern States. Over the door of 
the room of the Committee on Patents is a fine fresco of Robert Fulton of 
Pennsylvania, one of the first (1807) to apply steam to the purposes of naviga- 
tion. The likeness is from a portrait painted by Fulton himself, and now in 
the office of the Commissioner of Patents. Over the door of the room of the 
Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads is a fresco of Benjamin Franklin, 
the first Post Master General during the revolutionary days, and opposite is 
John Fitch, one of the earliest inventors of (1798) steam as applied to naviga- 
tion. 

22. Senate Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads. — Ceilings 
frescoed in arabesque — walls tinted. 



110 CAPITOL INTERIOR. 

23. Senate Committee on Patents. — Simply tinted. 

24. Eastern Entrance and Vestibule. — The doors open from an arcaded 
walk and vaulted carriageway beneath the Senate portico into a vestibule , in 
which are eight marble piers, four on each side, with sixteen corresponding 
marble pilasters. 'J hese piers and pilasters support the colonnade of the main 
vestibule above, and afford, perhaps the most striking example of the durabil- 
ity and strength of the edifice. The arches are tinted and enriched with 
stucco. The walls are scagliola. 

25. Senate Committee on Pensions. — The ceiling is decorated in ara- 
besques in fresco, with four border medallions of flowers and fruits. Under the 
E. and W. arches are symbolic representations of the Constitution and Liberty, 
and N. and S. fruit pieces. 

26. Eastern Stairway and Corridor. 

27. Passage and Steps to Senate Folding Room. — (See No. 6.) 

28. Senate Committee on Public Lands. — Frescoed overhead with 
border and American shields and arabesques. The walls are paneled, with 
bases in scagliola. 

29. Senate Committee on Education and Labor, reached through No. 
28, is a small but chastely-decorated apartment. 

30. 31. Senate Refectory. — Open to the public. 

32. Inner Corridor. — In the bands of the arches are eagles clutching fasces 
and olive branches. The walls are paneled. In the pilasters are American 
shields and sketches from American natural history. The rooms on either side, 
except the Refectory, are used for storage. 

33. Senate Committee on Manufactures. 

34. Senate Committee on Rules. — No decoration. 

35. Connecting Corridor. — Ceiling distempered and gilt. 

MAIN BUILDING— NORTH WING. 

36. Corridor, from the Senate Extension to the Crypt. 

37. 38, 39- Conference Room of the Supreme Court of the United 
States. — 37, Ante-Room ; 38, Conference Room; 39, Conference Room Li- 
brary. P 

40. Senate Baths, for the use of Senators. — Fitted up with marble baths 
and every convenience. There is also a water-cure apparatus and barber shop. 
41. Vestibule. — The arched substruction supports the Greek vestibule 
above. The door E. opens at foot of — 

42. Supreme Court Store Room and Files. 

43. Staircases to Principal Story. — There are two of these, one in each 
wing of the main building. The general architectural design of that on the S. is 
peculiarly attractive. The vestibule' E. is ornamented with columns in imita- 
tion of cornstalks, suggested by Jefferson. 

44. Law Library, {open every day, except Sunday, same as 
Library of the United States, entered from No. 43.) — This apart- 
ment is semi-circular, with an arched recess towards the 
W., and a colonnade recess on the E., back of which are the 
only windows. An arcade passage runs around the sweep 
of the circle, supporting a domical ceiling of masonry, rest- 
ing on heavy Doric columns, covering the entire room. The 
ceiling is groined upon the surrounding arches. In the tym- 
panum of the W. arch, in the recess, is a plaster relief, by 
Franzoni, representing a figure of Justice, and by her side 
Fame, crowned with a rising sun and pointing to the Consti- 
tution of the United States. The columns and piers of the 
arches of this room are heavy Doric. Some alterations were 

made in the original design of this room, owing to the fall of the vaulted ceiling, 
the result of defective construction This led to the introduction of the columns, 



BASEMENT STOLIY. Ill 

which have added greatly to the appearance of solidity, and have materially 
strengthened that part of the building. The alcoves for the books are arranged 
on the W. The room in the NE of the main hall is devoted to works on For- 
eign Law, Legislation. The inner room to Trials. The small room on the 
NW. is set apart for Foreign Law Commentaries. The room by the entrance 
door is used for storage. The Library is a branch of the Library of the United 
States and for the special use of the Supreme Court of the United States. 
See page 82 for Description and History of Library. 

CENTRAL BUILDING. 

45. Crypt.— A circular space, consisting of a treble colon- 
nade, containing 40 Doric columns of the proportions of 
those of the Temple of Psestum, surmounted by groined 
arches running in radii direction, and supporting the floor 
of the Rotunda. The star in the pavement under the cen- 
tral arch denotes the exact centre of the Capitol. The 
grating in the pavement of the Crypt on the E. side leads 
to the vaulted passages below. The weight of the iron 
alone in the Dome is 8,009,200 lbs. 

46. Headquarters Capitol Police. 

47. Guard-Room, or Prison, for the temporary imprisonment of persons 
arrested in the Capitol. 

48. Steps to the Sub-basement and Undercroft. 
4g. Western Staircase, leading to the Rotunda. 

50. Western Main Entrance of the Capitol. — (See No. 49.) 

51 to 55. Court of Claims of the United States. — The court room is 
without special architectural or decorative features, and is simply fur- 
nished. The justices occupy a raised seat on the S. side of the room. The 
court Was assigned its present apartments in 1859. ^ meets on Mondays^ 
Tuesdays, Wednesdays , and Thursdays, at 12 noon. Fridays and Saturdays 
are devoted to writing up opinions and conference. The general sessions begin 
on the first Monday in December, and last till the business ready for consdera- 
tion is finished. The adjournment generally takes place in May or June. The 
court also occupies 52, Clerks' Office; 53, Attorney- Gvneral' s Roo7n ; 54, 
Porter; 55, Stationery t> 57, Book Room ; 59, Court of Claims' Chambers. 

History of the Court of Claims. — The Court of Claims of the United 
States was established in 1855 to hear and determine all claims founded upon 
any law of Congress, or upon any regulation of an executive department, or 
upon any contract, express or implied, with the Government of the United 
States ; and also all claims which may be referred to the court by either house 
of Congress. The court now consists of a chief justice and four associates. 

56. Room of the Territorial Delegates. 

58. House Committee on Education and Labor. — The last room on 
this corridor, same side, has been used for the confinement of contumacious 
witnesses before Congress. 

60. House Committee on the Revision of the Laws. 

61. House Committee on Mines and Mining. 

CENTRAL BUILDING-SOUTH WING. 

62. Vestibule. 

63. Corridor. — A continuation of the main corridor. 

64 and 65. House Folding Rooms. — All the adjacent rooms in the S. wing 
are used for the storage of public documents. 

66 and 67. Offices Superintendent of House Folding Room. 

68. Washington Branch Post Office, (entrance outside.)— Congressional 
matter is here received and mailed to destination. 

69. Connecting Corridor. 



112 CAPITOL INTERIOR. 

SOUTH OR HOUSE EXTENSION. 

70. Main Corridor to the S. Entrance.— It is 143 ft. long 
and 25 ft. wide, and consists of a fine colonnade of 14 fluted 
marble columns on each side, with capitals formed of acan- 
thus, tobacco, and corn leaves. The walls are scagliola, 
imitating Sienna marble, the ceiling iron, and the floor 
encaustic tiles. 

71. Refectory.— Open to the Public. 

72. House Committee on Indian Affairs.— No decora- 
tion. Here is a collection of oil paintings, illustrating life 
among the Sioux of Minnesota, painted in 1867-69 by 
Lieut. Col. Seth Eastman, a retired officer of the U. S. A. 

73. Corridor. 

74. House Baths, for the use of members of the House. There are 8 baths, 
4 of which are marble, and fitted up with all the elegance and appliances of 
the modern bath. 

75. Eastern Stairway and Corridor. — No special decoration. 

76. House Committee on Printing. — Walls simply tinted. 

77. House Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads. 

78. Passage to steps to Sub-basement. (See No. 93.) On the same are the 
locksmith's shop and ice and store rooms. 

79. Eastern Entrance and Vestibule. — The entrance opens from the ar- 
caded walk and vaulted carriage way beneath the eastern portico of the House 
Extension. The groined arches of the vestibule rest on 4 marble piers and cor- 
responding pilasters. The arches are decorated with stucco, and the walls are 
finished in scagliola. 

80. House Post Office, fitted up with bird's-eye maple 
cases, with boxes for each member and the officers of the 
House of Representatives. The room is without decora- 
tion. 

81. House Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds. 

The decoration consists of paneled walls, with a balus- 
trade above the molding. The ceiling is embellished with 
arabesques, two American eagles and shields, and has an 
elliptical centre-piece formed of balusters, in fresco. 

82. Room of the Official Reporters of Committees. 

83. House Committees on Coinage, Weights and Meas- 
ures, and the Library. 

84. House Committee on Territories. — Richly and ap- 
propriately decorated. Overhead, mingled with the feather- 
ing, are 4 pieces representing groups of Indians' weapons 
of war and the chase and implements of peace. In the 
spans of the arches is a running border, with introductions 
of fox and deer heads. Under the arches are medallions 
yet unfilled, but in which it is proposed to introduce the 
profiles of former chairmen of the committee. The gener- 
al decoration is varied with specimens of the smaller ani- 
mal life peculiar to the plains. Under the impost molding 
is a border of fruits and grains, with escutcheons bearing 
the names of the Territories of the United States in 1857. 



BASEMENT STORY. 113 

85. House Committee on Private Land Claims and Public Expen- 
ditures. — This room is without decoration. 

86. Doorkeepers' Room. — Plain walls. 

87. Newspaper and Index Room. — Here the newspaper subsciption- 
books for members are kept, each member being allowed $125 annually for 
newspapers and stationery . The index, for journals and all public documents 
are also made here in pursuance of an order of Congress. 

88. House Committee on Invalid Pensions. 

89. House Committee on Claims. — Walls tinted. 

90. House Committees on Agriculture and Manufac- 
tures. —Decorated by Brumidi in 18 >5, the first work of 
the kind done on the Capitol, and, with the exception of 
the panels, is frescoed throughout. On the ceilings are 
representations of the four seasons, symbolized in Flora, 
Ceres, Bacchus, and Boreas. On the E. wall is a fresco 
representating Cincinnatus called from the plow to be Dic- 
tator of Rome. On the opposite wall is a" corresponding 
scene, representing Putnam called from the plow to join in 
the battles of the Revolution. 

91. Clerks' Document Room. — Through this orhce the various executive 
departments and foreign legations in the United States are supplied with copies 
of documents printed by the two Houses of Congress. 

92. Western Stairway and Corridor. — No decoration. 

93. Steps to the Heating and Ventilating Apparatus, South Exten- 
sion. — (For description, see Sub-basement.) The iron grating at the end 
of the passage was originally designed for the ice used in the ventilation of the 
Hall of the Representatives during the summer months. Improved means have 
obviated the use of ice. Over this grating are the coils of steam pipes, measur- 
ing n miles, and used for heating the Hall of Representatives in winter. 

94. House Committee on War Claims. — No decoration. 

95. House Committee on Accounts. — Walls simply tinted. 

96. Closets. 

o. — All rooms marked o indicate used for storage, 
c c c c Courts 

SUB-BASEMENT STORY. 

Under the entire building is a massive substruction or seat of masonry, con- 
sisting of piers and arches, upon which rears the mighty superstructure of the 
Capitol. 

NORTH OR SENATE EXTENSION. 

The sub-basement of the North or Senate Extension may be reached from 
Nos. 4 and 27, Plan of Basement Story. The former is the proper way for 
visitors. This will lead to the — 

Senate Heating and Ventilating Apparatus. — Open to visitors. The 
machinery employed consists of 4 fans, 2 for air and 2 exhaust ; 4 boilers, 3 
engines, 2 steam-pumps, 1 for the 2 tanks in the loft over the Senate Chamber, 
and 1 for boilers ; 18 miles of steam-pipes in the entire Extension ; 1 vaporizer, 
2 descending shafts from the loft of the Senate Chamber, and 1 ascending shait 
into the open air, the outlet at the base of the Dome. The principal air -shaft 
enters from the glacis of the first terrace in the W. Park, 220 ft. from the 
building, the air being drawn in by a fan, and forced through a main air-duct 
into the air-space under the floor of the Senate, and thence into the Chamber by 
means of registers. The air supplied in winter is raised to a temperature of 
68° to 70 , and in summer from 8° to io° below the outer atmosphere. The 
temperature supplied to the galleries is some degrees lower, in order to coun- 
teract the animal heat which ascends to that portion of the Hall. A branch 
air-duct communicates with the galleries The supply of fresh air is 30,000, 
and exhaust 40,000 cubic ft. a minute. The original apparatus was designed 
by Capt. M. C. Meigs, and the exhaust and other improvements by H. F. 
Hayden, Chief Engineer U. S. Senate. The engineer in charge will explain 



114 CAPITOL INTERIOR. 

CENTRAL BUILDING. 

The sub-basement of the Central Building may be reached by the steps No. 
<fB, Plan of Basement Story. There is also an entrance from the first terrace on 
the western front of the building, immediately below the main western entrance. 
The rooms on these Corridors are used for divers purposes, but of no special 
importance ; the rooms on the Southern Corridor, W. side, by the Engineer 
in Charge of the Public Buildings and Grounds. Here may be seen the 
original manuscript journals, letters, and other books and records of the com- 
missioners superintending the building of the city, 1791-1800, and the records 
of a later period, and valuable early maps of the city. An attache will be 
found in the office every day except Sundays and holidays. The. key to the 
undercroft is kept here. Visitors desiring to see this portion of the building 
will be kindly shown there by the person mentioned. 

The door at the end of the passage leading east from this corridor opens into 
a court across which is the — 

Model Room. — This consists of a subterranean gallery, built of brick and 
heavily arched. It forms a complete circle, and constitutes a portion of the 
foundation of the Dome. Within this is a smaller gallery, and in the exact 
centre the Undercroft, which see. In these galleries are plaster models ot cap- 
itals of columns, cornices, mouldings, tiles, and statuary employed in the embel- 
lishment of the exterior and interior of the Capitol. 

The Undercroft or Vault beneath the Crypt, originally designed for the 
sarcophagus containing the remains of Washington. The Undercroft, the nave 
and transept, measuring each 10 feet in length, and about 6 in width, is cruci- 
form. 

Upon .learning of the death of Washington, Congress, Dec. 24, 1799, passed 
resolutions appropriate to the sad event, and provided that a marble monument 
should be erected by the United States in the Capitol at Washington. The 
President was authorized to request the wife of the departed patriot to permit 
his body to be deposited under it. In response to the letter of the President, 
Mrs. Washington thus transmitted her assent : 

" Taught by the great example 1 have so long had before me, never to oppose 
my private wishes to the public will, I must consent to the request of Congress, 
which you had the goodness to transmit to me ; and in doing this 1 need not — 

1 cannot — say what a sacrifice of individual feeling I make to a sense of public 
duty." 

The wish of Congress was not carried out, and a subsequent request of the 
same character, in connection with the National Monument, was declined. 

SOUTH OR HOUSE EXTENSION. 

The sub-basement of the South or House Extension may be reached from 
Nos. 78 and gj, Plan oj Basement Story. The latter is the proper way for 
visitors. The steps from No. 93 lead directly to the — 

House Heating and Ventilating Apparatus. — The theory of ventilation 
of the South Extension is the same as lor the North, though not so elaborately 
carried out. One of the engineers will give any desired information. The 
machinery consists of 3 engines : No. 1 for the supply fan of the Hall of the 
Representatives ; No. 2 for the supply fan of the committee rooms and pas- 
sages ; and No. 3 for the exhaust fans ; 2 supply fans. 18 and 14 ft. in diameter; 

2 exhaust fans, 10 ft. in diameter ; 5 boilers ; 3 water tanks in the loft above the 
Hall of Representatives ; 2 steam-pumps, 1 for the supply of the boiler, and 1 
for the supply of the tanks; and 30 miles of steam heating pipes. The air sup- 
plied in winter is raised to the same temperature applied to the heating and 
ventilation of the Senate. The supply of fresh air is about 40,000, and exhaust 
50,000 cubic feet a minute. 

While here the visitor can have an opportunity of examining the foundations 
of this part of the Capitol. The kitchens of the House Refectory are also here. 
The vaulted rooms are used for storage and fuel. 



HISTORY. 



115 



Architects of the Capitol. — 1793, Dr. William Thornton, of Penn., an 
amateur, designer of the Capitol ; 1793, Stephen Hallet, France; 1794, James 
Hoban, S. C; 1795, George Hadfield, England; 1796, James Hoban, S. C; 
1797, George Hadfield, England ; 1803, R. H. Latrobe, Md.; 1817, Charles 
Bulfinch, Mass.; 1851, Thomas U. Walter, Penn.; 1865, Edward Clark, Penn. 

History. — The site of the Capitol was chosen and approved by Washing- 
ton, in the original plans of the city, submitted to him by L'Enfant, and in the 
summer of 1791 was located. On this occasion Mr. Ellicott drew the meridian 
and the E. and W. lines, at the intersection of which the Capitol was to stand. 
This having been accomplished, in March, 1792, the commissioners advertised 
in the newspapers in the principal towns and cities ol the United States, offer- 
ing a premium of $500. or a medal, for a plan of a President's House and 
Capitol. In this matter Jefferson took an active interest. During his residence 
in Europe he had collected drawings of the fronts of celebrated public build- 
ings. These were now produced for examination. He suggested, in the present 
instance, that the style of architecture of the Capitol should be taken from 
some model of antiqu ty, and that the President's House should be modern 




THE CAPITOL OF THE UNITED STATES OFAHEKICA IN 184O. (EaSteiTl Facade.) 

In response to the advertisements a number of plans were submitted, but in the 
selection of one for the Capitol there was a variety of opinions. 

Apian by Dr. Wm. Thornton, of Penn , but materially altered and im- 
proved by others, was approved by Washington and submitted to Stephen 
Hallet, a French architect, who was intrusted with its execution. On Sept. 
18, 1793, the corner-stone of the edifice, SE. corner, was laid by Brother 
George Washington, assisted by the Worshipful Masters and Free Masons 
of the surrounding cities, the military, and a large number of people. The 
silver plate deposited in the cavity of the stone bore the following inscription : 

" This south-east corner-stone of the Capitol of the United* States of America, 
in the City of Washington, was laid on the 18th day of September, 1793, in the 
thirteenth year of American Independence, in the first year of the sec- 
ond term of the Presidency of George Washington, whose virtues in the civil 
administration of his country have been as conspicouous and beneficial, as his 
military valor and prudence have been useful in establishing her liberties, and 
in the year of Masonry 5793, by the President of the United States, in concert 
with the Grand Lodge of Maryland, several Lodges under its jurisdiction, and 
Lodge No. 22 from Alexandria, Virginia. 

"Thomas Johnson, David Stewart, and Daniel Carroll, Commissioners ; 
Joseph Clarke, R. W. G. M. P. T.; James Hoban and Stephen HaHnte, Ar- 
chitects ; Collin Williamson, M. Mason." 



116 



HISTORY. 



After ascending from the cavazion the Grand Master, P. T., yoseph Clarke, 
delivered an oration during which, at intervals, volleys were fired by the 
artillery. The ceremony closed in prayer, Masonic chanting honors, and a 
national salute of 15 guns. 

. The President wore the apron and full regalia of a Mason. The gavel used 
was of ivory, and is still preserved as a treasured relic by Lodge No. 9 ot 
Georgetown. 

After the dedicatory services the entire assemblage took part in a barbecue 
arranged for the occasion in the E. Park. 

The N. Wing was ready for 
occupation in 1800. In the com- 
pleted wing the Senate on the 
W. side, the House of Repre- 
sentatives on E., and the Su- 
preme Court in the basement, 
first held their sessions. In 
1801 the House occupied a tem- 
porary structure called the 
"■Oven," from its shape, erected 
on the site of the present S. Ex- 
tension. In 1805 it returned to 
its first apartment in the N. 
Wing. In 1803 R. H. Latrobe 
was appointed Architect of the 
Capitol. This gentleman made 
radical changes in the elevation 
and ground-plan of the build- 
ing, racing the floor from the 
ground story to the principal 
order over the casement. '1 he 
S. Wing was in readiness for the 
occupation of Congress in 181 1. 
The central portions were still 
unfinished. An unsightly wood- 
en passage connected the two 
wings. During thewarofiSi2 
work on the building was sus- 
pended. In 1814 the interior of 
both wings was destroyed by 
the British, after which Con- 
gress, on Sept. 19, 1814, met 
temporarily in the structure 
known as Blodgett's Hotel, sit- 
uated on the E-st. front of the 
square now occupied by the 
General Post Office. The ses- 
sion of Congress commencing 
Dec. 18, 1815, assembled in a 
building on the SE. corner of A 
and 1st sts. NE. erected by the 
citizens of Washington for the 
purpose, and was occupied till 
the restoration of the S. Wing 
of the original Capitol in 1827. 
This structure was afterwards known as the "Old Capitol," and was used 
as a political prison during the Rebellion, 1861-65. 

In 1815, after an obstinate discussion, for a time threatening the most serious 
consequences to the harmony of the Union, Congress determined to restore the 
Capitol. The work of restoration was commenced by Mr. Latrobe. Charles 
Bulfinch, of Boston, his successor, commenced the central portions of the build- 
ing, including the Rotunda and Library, in 1818, which were completed in 1827. 




HISTORY. 



117 



In 1818 a temporary building was erected near the Capitol for the use of com- 
mittees of Congress. The plans of Latrobe, with a few slight modifications, 
were carried out, and the entire structure, with terraces and grounds, was com- 
pleted in 13 years, at a cost, including alterations, repairs, &c, and improve- 
ment of grounds, to 1S51, when the Extensions were added, $2, 690, 459. 21. In 
bept., 1850, Congress passed an act authorizing the extension of the Capitol. 
Thomas U. Walter, the architect of Girard College, at Philadelphia, in June, 
1851, submitted a plan of extension to President Fillmore. This was accepted, 
and Mr. Walter was designated 



to carry it into execution. The 
corner-stone of the S. extension 
was laid on July 4, 1851. The 
following is a copy of the record 
deposited beneath the corner- 
stone : 

" On the morning of the first 
day of the seventy -sixth year of 
the Independence of the United 
States of America, in the City 
of Washington, being the 4th 
day of July, 1851, this stone, 
designated as the corner-stone 
of the Extension of the Capitol, 
according to a plan approved 
by the President, in pursuance 
by ofan act of Congress, was laid 
MillArd Fillmore, President 
of the United States, assisted 
by the Grand Master of the 
Masonic Lodges, in the presence 
of many members of Congress ; 
of officers of the Executive and 
Judiciary departments, Nation- 
al, State and District ; of officers 
of the Army and Navy ; the 
corporate authorities of this and 
neighboring cities ; many asso- 
ciations, civil and military and 
Masonic; officers of the Smith- 
sonian Institution and National 
Institute ; professors of colleges 
and teachers of schools of the 
District of Columbia, with their 
students and pupils ; and a vast 
concourse of people from places 
near and remote, including a 
few surviving gentlemen who 
witnessed the laying of the 
corner-stone of the Capitol by 
President Washington, on the 
eighteenth day of September, 
seventeen hundred and ninety- 
three. 

" If, therefore, it shall be hereafter the will of God that this structure shall 
fall from its base, that its foundation be upturned, and this deposit brought to 
the eye of men, be it known that, on this day, the Union of the United States 
of America stands firm ; that their Constitution still exists unimpaired, and 
with all its original usefulness and glory, growing every day stronger and 
stronger in the affections of the great body of the American people, and attract- 
ing more and more the admiration of the world. And all here assembled, 
whether belonging to public life or to private life, with hearts devoutly thankful 




118 HISTORY OF CONGRESS. 

to Almighty God for the preservation of the liberty and happiness of the coun 
try, unite in sincere and fervent prayers that this deposit, and the walls and 
arches, the domes and towers, the columns and entablatures, now to be erected 
over it, may endure forever ! 

" God save the United States of America ! Daniel Webster, 

"Secretary of State of the United States." 

Daniel Webster, the orator of the day, concluded the ceremonies in an elo- 
quent address. 

In 1855 Congress authorized the removal of the Dome, and the construction 
of a new one of iron, according to the plans of Architect Walter. The first 
Dome was built of wood. In the fire of 1851, which consumed the interior of 
the Library of Congress, this Dome was in imminent danger. Tnough'it 
escaped destruction, the lesson suggested its removal, which was done in 1856. 
In its place the erection of the present Dome of iron, finished in 1865, was 
undertaken. The inner shell of the first Dome was ornamented with panels or 
caissons, and modeled after that of the Pantheon of Agrippa at Rome. It was 
smaller in size, the Dome of the Capitol being 96 ft. in height and diameter, 
and 122*^ ft to the skylight, lhe Dome cf the Pantheon was 142 ft. in diam- 
eter, which was about the same as the height, one-half being the height of the 
Dome and the circular opening for light 23 ft. in diameter. The outer shell of 
the Dome of the Capitol was higher in proportion than its original in Rome. 
The circular aperture at the apex was also covered by a cupola, around which 
there was a balustrade, reached by a stairway between the inner and outer 
shells. The access, however, was inconvenient and dangerous. On one occa- 
sion a lady slipped and fell upon the sash, breaking the glass, but was prevented 
from precipitation to the pavement of the Rotunda below by the strength of the 
frame. 

The work on the Capitol was continued through the war of the rebellion, 
i86i-'65. On December 12, 1863, at noon, the statue of Freedom which sur- 
mounts the Dome was placed in position. The flag of the United States was 
unfurled from its crest, and was greeted by the shouts of thousands of citizens 
and soldiers. A national salute of thirty-five guns was fired by a field battery 
in the E. Park, and was responded to by the great guns of the chain of forts 
constituting the defenses of the threatened capital of the Nation. 

'lhe new Hall of the S. Extension was occupied by the House of Represen- 
tatives December 16, 1857, an< ^ that of lhe N. by the Senate January 4, 1859. 
The Capitol to date cost: Main Building £3,000,000; Dome, $1,000,000; 
Extensions N. and S., $8,000,000 ; miscellaneous, $1,000,000. Total, $13,000,- 
000. {See description of the Capitol for details of its construction, embellish- 
ments, and objects of interest -within its mighty ivalls.) 



HISTORY OF CONGRESS. 

The First Continental Congress, Peyton Randolph, of Va., 
President, met at Philadelphia in Sept., 177-1, all the colonies 
except Georgia being- represented. The British king and 
ministry were highly incensed at these u persons, styling 
themselves delegates of his majesty's colonies in America, 
having presumed, without his majesty's consent, to assemble 
together at Philadelphia.'- A circular was sent to all the 
colonial governors, and every effort was made, by threat or 
intimidation, to frustrate the assembling of the proposed 
Congress of 1775. The royal disapprobation of the proceed- 



RATIFICATION OF CONSTITUTION. 119 

ing had no effect whatever. The Congress met at the ap- 
pointed time and place, and Peyton Randolph, of Va., was 
again chosen President. Since this gathering the American 
Congress, Continental or General, as it was variously styled, 
has had an unbroken line of succession. 

Sessions of the Continental Congress. — Commenced 1774, 
Sept. 5, Philadelphia, Perm. ; 1775, May 10, Philadelphia, 
Penn.; 1776, Dec. 20, Baltimore, Md. ; 1777, March 4, Phil- 
adelphia, Penn. ; 1777, Sept. 27, Lancaster, Penn.; 1777, 
Sept. 30, York, Penn.; 1778. July 2, Philadelphia, Penn.; 
1783, June 30, Princeton, N. J. ; 1783, Nov. 26, Annapolis, 
Md.; 1784, Nov. 1, Trenton, N. J.; 1785, Jan. 11, New 
York City, N. Y., until the adoption of the Constitution of 
the United States. 

Presidents of the Continental Congress. 1774-1788.— Pey- 
ton Randolph, Va., elected Sept. 5, 1774 ; Henry Middleton, 
S. C, Oct. 22, 1774; Peyton Randolph, Va., May 10, 1775; 
John Hancock, Mass., May 24, 1775; Henry Laurens, S. C, 
Nov. 1, 1777; John Jay, N. Y., Dec. 10, 1778; Samuel 
Huntingdon, Conn., Sept. 28, 1779; Thomas McKean, Del., 
July 10, 1781 ; John Hanson, Md., Nov. 5, 1781 ; Elias Bou- 
dinot, N. J., Nov. 4, 1782 ; Thomas Mifflin, Penn., Nov. 3, 
1783; Richard Henry Lee, Va., Nov. 30, 1784; Nathaniel 
Grorham, Mass., June 6, 1786; Arthur St. Clair, Penn., Feb. 
2, 1787 ; Cyrus Griffin, Va., Jan. 22, 1788. 

Under the Articles of Confederation, executed at Phila- 
delphia July 9, 1778, Congress met annually on the first 
Monday in November, till the Constitution of the United 
States went into operation, intL789. 

Eatification of the Constitution. — The Constitution of the 
United States of America was adopted September 17, 1787, 
pursuant to a resolution dated February 21, 1787, of the Con- 
gress assembled under the provisions of the Articles of Con- 
federation. The ratification, in convention, by the thirteen 
original States, was as follows: 1787, Dec. 7, Delaware ; 1787, 
Dec. 12, Pennsylvania ; 1787, Dec. 18, New Jersey ; 17S8, Jan. 
2, Georgia; 178S, Jan. 9, Connecticut; 1788, Feb. 6, Massa- 
chusetts; 1788, April 28, Maryland; 1788, May 23, South Car- 
olina; 1788, June 21, New Hampshire; 1788, June 26, Vir- 
ginia; 1788, Jul v 26, New York; 17S9, Nov. 21, North Carolina; 
1790, May 29, Rhode Island. 

The first Congress under the Constitution commenced March 
4, 1789, held two sessions in New York City, and subsequent- 
ly met in Philadelphia, Dec. 6, 1790. For the next ten years 
the national capital found a resting place on the very spot 



120 PRESIDENTS OF THE SENATE. 

where the Continental Congress of 1776 had given to the world 
that great instrument of American freedom the Declaration 
of Independence. The next step was to plant itself upon the 
broad waters of the Potomac. 

In June, 1800, the executive branch of the Government 
was transferred from Philadelphia to the Permanent Seat 
of Government, and future Capital of the Republic establish- 
ed, by the act of 1790. The 6th Congress, 2d Session, the 
first which met in the City of Washington, assembled here 
on Nov. 17, 1800, the third Monday of Nov., but failed of a 
quorum of the Senate till jSTov. 21, on which day the Presi- 
dent of the United States and House of Representatives 
were notified of the organization of that body. On the next 
day the President of the United States, John Adams, in 
person, delivered an appropriate address to the two Houses 
of Congress assembled in the Senate Chamber of the Capitol. 

The Constitution requires that '"''Congress shall assemble at 
least once in eveiy year, and such meeting shall be on the 
first Monday in December, unless they shall by law appoint 
a different day." Article I section 1 of the Constitution 
provides that all legislative powers therein granted shall be 
vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist 
of a Senate and House of Representatives. , The Senate is 
composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the 
Legislature thereof for six years ; and each Senator has one 
vote. The Senate is divided equally into three classes, so 
that one third may be chosen every second year, the senato- 
rial term of a class always beginning with a new Congress. 
The Senate has advisory as well as legislative powers. Pres- 
ent number 74. 

Presidents of the Senate. — (Vice Presidents of the United 
States.)— 1789, 1-4 Congress, John Adams, Mass. ; 1797, 5-6, 
Thomas Jefterson, Va. ; 1801, 7-8, Aaron Burr, N. Y. ; 1805, 
9-12, George Clinton, N. Y. ; 1813, 13-14, Elbridge Gerry, 
Mass. ; 1817, 15-18, D. D. Tompkins, N". Y. ; 1825, 19-22-, J. 
C. Calhoun, S. C. ; 1833, 23-24, Martin Van Buren, 1ST. Y. ; 
1837, 25-26, R. M. Johnson, Ky. ; 1841, 27, John Tyler, Va. ; 
1843, 28, vacant; 1845, 29-30, G. M. Dallas, Penn.; 1849, 
31, Millard Fillmore, N". Y. ; 1851, 32, vacant; 1853, 33-34, 
W. R. King, 1 mo., Ala,; 1853, 33-31, vacant; 1857, 35-36, 
John C. Breckinridge, Ky. ; 1861, 37-38, H. Hamlin, Me.; 
1865, 39-40, A. Johnson, Tenn. ; 1867, 40, vacant; 1869, 41-42, 
Schuyler Colfax, Ind.; 1873, 43, Henry Wilson, Mass. 
1875, 44 Vacant. 

The House of Representatives is composed of member," 
chosen every second year bj the people of the several States, 
and are apportioned according to their respective population. 



HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 121 

Representation, 292 members, 10 delegates, viz : Alabama, 
8; Arkansas, 4; California, 4; Connecticut 4; Delaware, 1 ; 
Florida, 2; Georgia, 9; Illinois, 19; Indiana, 13; Iowa, 9; 
Kansas, 3 ; Kentucky 10 ; Louisiana, G ; Maine, 5 ; Maryland, 
6; Massachusetts, 11 ; Michigan, 9; Minnesota, 3 ; Mississip- 
pi, 6 ; Missouri, 13 ; Nebraska, 1 ; Nevada, 1 ; New Hamp- 
shire 3; New Jersey, 7; New York, 33; North Carolina, 8; 
Ohio, 20 ; Oregon, 1 ; Pennsylvania,. 27 ; Rhode Island, 2 ; 
South Carolina, 5; Tennessee, 10; Texas, 0; Vermont, 3; 
Virginia, 9 ; West Virginia, 3 ; Wisconsin, 8 ; and one dele- 
gate from each of the Territories of Arizona, Colorada, Dako- 
ta, District of Columbia, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, 
Washington, and Wyoming. Delegates may propose mea- 
sures relating to their own Territory, but have no vote. 

Speakers of the House of Representatives. — 1789, 1st Con- 
gress, F. A. Muhlenberg, Penn.; 1791, 2, Jonathan Trum- 
bull, Conn.; 1793, 3, F. A. Muhlenberg, Penn.; 1795, 4-5, 
Jonathan Dayton, N. J. ; 1799, 6, Theodore Sedgwick, Mass. ; 
1801, 7-9, Nathaniel Macon, N. C. ; 1807, 10-11, Joseph B. 
Varnum, Mass.; 1811, 12-13, Henry Clay, Kv. ; 1813, 13, 
Langdon Cheves, S. C. ; 1815, 14-16, Henry Clay, Ky. ; 1819, 
16, John W. Taylor, N. Y. ; 1821, 17, Philip B. Barbour, Va. ; 
1823, 18, Henry Clay, Ky. ; 1825, 19, John W. Taylor, N. 
Y. ; 1827, .20-23, Andrew Stevenson, Va. ; 1835, 24, John 
Bell., Term. ; 1837, 25-26, James K. Polk, Tenn. ; 1841, 27, 
R. M. T. Hunter, Va. ; 27, John White, Ky. ; 1843, 28, John 
W. Jones, Va. ; 1845, 29, J. W. Davis, Ind. ; 1847, 30, R. C. 
Winthrop, Mass. ; 1849, 31, Howell Cobb, Ga, ; 1851, 32-33, 
Linn Boyd, Kv. ; 1855, 34, N. P. Banks, Mass. ; 1857, 35 
James L. Orr, S. C. ; 1859, 36, W. Pennington, N. J. ; 1861, 
37, Galusha A. Grow, Penn. ; 1863, 38-40, Schuyler Colfax, 
Ind. ; 1869. 41-43, J. G. Blaine, Me. 

fcS7o. 44 M. C. Kerr, Ind.. 1876. 



122 president's house. 

PRESIDENT'S HOUSE. 

The official residence of the President of the United States 
of America stands o« the W. plateau of the city, 1£ m. from 
the Capitol. In the early official plans and documents it is 
designated the President's House* but has been since styled 
the Executive Mansion* and jDopularly the "White House."" 
The Pennsylvania-av. street cars pass in front. 

Grounds. — The edifice is situated near the N. limit of Res- 
ervation No. 1, known as the President's Grounds, revised 
measurement, 80f a. The private grounds consist of about 
20 a. On the E., about 450 ft. distant, is the Treasury De- 
partment, and on the W. are the Departments of State, War, 
and Navy. Between these buildings and the President's 
House is Executive an. In front a broad av., from 15th to 17th 
sts. W., separates the N. Park from Lafayette Square. Two 
gateways, connected by a semi-circular drive and footwalk, 
lead (o the N. portico. This portion of the grounds is laid out 
in walks and parterres, with a fountain in the centre. The 
grounds S. are divided by the semi-circular extension of Ex- 
ecutive av. That part within tiie enclosure is private* and is 
adorned with lawns, walks, trees, flowers, and a fountain. On 
every Saturday afternoon during the summer the Marine Band 
plays in these grounds. To the SW. are the President's Sta- 
bles. The broad avenue running S. connects with the drive 
on the Mall. 

The Building. — The President's House (E. Boom open to 
visitors every day* except Sunday* from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m.) 
built of freestone painted white, is 170 ft. long by 86 ft. wide, 
two stories high, broken by pilasters of the order, and crowned 
with a balustrade. On the N. is a grand portico* supported 
on 8 Ionic columns, with corresponding pilasters in the rear, 
affording a shelter for carriages and pedestrians. The S. front 
is adorned with a lofty semi-cirmlar colonnade of 6 columns, 
of the same style as the N., resting on a rustic basement, and 
reached by 2 flights of steps. On the W. are the Conservato- 
ries. The general style is a modification of the residence of 
the Duke of Liens'ter, Dublin. The main door on the NT. 
opens into a spacious vestibule or entrance hall* 40 ft. front by 
50 ft. deep. A sash screen divides the entrance hall into two 
unequal parts, The entrance hall is frescoed overhead. The 
medallions on either side of the beautiful crystal chandelier 
are canvas, by Brumidi. On the walls, within the screen, are 
portraits of Presidents John Adams, Van Buren, Tyler, Polk, 
Fillmore, and Pierce, by Healy, purchased under act of 1857. 



to A'VT&fe 







-3^* 7 ,fMiM 



124 president's house. 

The Washington is by Stuart. During the invasion of the 
British one of the colored servants of President Madison cut 
this picture from the frame, and in the flight of the Presi- 
dent's household carried it to Tennallytown, thus saving it 
from destruction. The portrait of Lincoln, by Cogswell, 
was purchased in 1869. The small door on the r. opens into 
the Waiting Room, and the corresponding door on the 1. 
into a passage at the foot of the public stairway to the Ante 
Room. This passage is also used for the Marine Band, when 
performing at receptions. Across the passage is the East, 
originally designed for the Banqueting Room, and still so 
used since 1837 — a beautiful apartment, 80 ft. by 40 ft., and 
22 ft. high. The style of decoration is pure Greek, clone in 
1873. The ceiling is divided into three panels, the centre 
varied in pattern, and all painted in oil. The walls are 
raised paper, gilded, and painted a drab gray. The wood- 
work throughout, including dado, columns, pilasters, gir- 
ders, cornice, and carved mantel-pieces, are in white and 
gold. There are four mirrors on the side walls, and two at 
either end. The furniture and hangings of the windows are 
in keeping. The rest of the first floor is private. 

The centre door within the screen opens into the Oval, or 
Blue-Room, 40 by 30 ft., a brilliant apartment, beautifully 
finished in blue and gold. The chandelier is crystal, fitted 
with a reflector. On the mantel are a pair of French vases 
of superior design and workmanship. In this room the Pres- 
ident receives diplomatic ministers accredited to the United 
States and presented for the first time. The President and 
wife also receive the people here on public occasions. 

On theE., through a door, is the Green Room, opening into 
E. Room, and on the W. the Red Room, opening into the 
Slate Dining Room, 40 by 30 ft., with a dining table for 36 
covers, and suitable table ornaments. The Green and Red 
Rooms are 30 by 20 ft., and tastefully furnished. The Red 
Room is also the family parlor. On the mantel-piece is a fine 
gilt clock and pair of French vases, one with a representa- 
tion of the residence of Franklin at Passy, and the other 
showing the environs of Passy. At the W. end of the corri- 
dor are the Billiard Room and large Conservatory. In the 
NW. corner, across the corridor, are the private dining room, 
butler's pantry, and private stairs. 

On the second floor, the E. part of the building is occu- 
pied by the Executive Office and Ante Room, the latter reached 
by the public staircase through the door on the r. The Pres- 
ident's Office, or Cabinet Room, is a fine apartment on the S. 
side, opposite the S. door of the passage, at the head of the 
public stairway, and looks out upon the S. portico. Adjoin- 



president's house. 



125 



ing is the library, used also as a family sitting room, and en- 
tered by a private door. The private portions of the second 
floor are on the W. side, shut oil" from the E., and consist of 
seven sleeping apartments. 

In the basement arc the servants' quarters, kitchens, store- 
rooms, and vaults for fuel. 

For formalities and receptions, see General Information — 
Etiquette. 




PRESIDENT S HOUSE — SOUTH' FRONT. 



History — The President's House, or " Palace, 1 ' so styled in the earlier doc- 
uments, was the first of the public buildings erected. On March 14, 1792, the Com- 
missioners of the city advertised for plans for a President's House and Capitol. On 
July 16, 1792, these were examined at Georgetown. The first premium of $500 waa 
awarded to James Hoban, of Charleston, S. C, for the plan of a President's House. 
On Oct. 13, 1792, the Commissioners, accompanied by the Freemasons, architects, 
and the inhabitants of Washington and Georgetown, marched in procession to the 
site selected for the President's Hcuse, and there, with appropriate and solemn 
ceremonies, laid the corner-stone of that structure. 

The work was conducted under the direction of Mr. Hoban, the architect, and 
was prosecuted under the same difficulties which surrounded the Capitol. Mr. 
Weld, an English traveler, writing in 1795, alludes to the building as the finest in 
the country, and much extolled by the people 5 stating that persons found fault with 
it as being too large and too splendid for the residence of any person in a republican 
country; and, to use his own words, "certainly it is a ridiculous habitation for a 
man who receives a salary that amounts to no more than £5,625 per annum, and 
in a country where the expenses of living are far greater than they are even in 
London." 

The first President to occupy the building was John Adams, who took possession 
in Nov., 1800, after the removal of the public offices to the permanent Seat of Gov- 
ernment. Previous to that time the Executive of the United States was without a 
home owned by the nation. In New York and Philadelphia rented houses were 
occupied. The building up to 1S14 had cost $333,207. 

The President's House was destroyed by the Kftin'i in I&W.. After the evacua- 
tion the President occupied a fine residence on the corner of Mew Yorik av. and s8th 



126 



PRESIDENT S HOUSE. 



st. NW., known as the "Octagon," and now used by the hydrographic office of the 
Navy Department. In 1815 Congress authorized the restoration of the President's 
House, which was done by Hoban, the original architect. It was not agaia ready 
however, till after 1S1S In 1823 the S. portico, in 1826 the East Room, and in 
i82g the N. portico were finished. Since that time the interior of the structure has 
been subject to frequent renovations and repairs. It is entirely unsuitable, how- 
ever, for the purposes to which it is now applied : executive offices and private res- 
idence. Congress has now under consideration a proposition to erect a suitable and 
exclusively private mansion in the suburbs of the capital for the residence of the 
President's household, and the conversion of the present building into execu- 
tive offices. The total appropriations for the erection and maintenance of the Pres- 
ident's House from 1800 to date amounts to $1, 700,000. 




the president's house, 1810,— (from an old print.) 



Presidents of the United States of A7uerica. — 1. George Washington, Va., 
1789-1797, Federalist; 2. John Adams, Mass., 1797-1801, Fed.; 3. Thomas Jef- 
ferson, Va., 1801-1809, Republican; 4. James Madison, Va., 1809-1817, Rep.; 
5. James Monroe, Va , 1817-1825, Rep.; 6. John Quincy Adams, Mass , 1825- 
1829, Rep.; 7. Andrew Jackson, Tenn., 1S29-1837, Democrat; 8. Martin Van 
Buren, N. Y., 1837-1841 Dem.; 9. William Henry Harrison, Ohio, 1841, 
1 mo., Whig; 10. John Tyler, Va., 1841-1845, elected a Whig; 11. James K. 
Polk, Tenn., 1845-1849, Dem.; 12. Zackary Taylor, La,, 1849-1850, Whig; 
13. Millard Fillmore N. Y., 1850-1853, Whig ; 14. Franklin Pierce, N. H.. 
1853-1857, Dem.; 15. James Buchanan, Penn., 1857-1861, Dem.; 16. Abraham 
Lincoln, 111., 1861-1865, Rep.; 17. Andrew Johnson, Tenn., 1865-1:869, elected 
a Republican ; 18. Ulysses S. Grant, 111., 1869-187-, Rep. 

Jt'he Executive. — The Executive power of the United States (Const., 
1787, Art. II., Sec. 1) is vested in a President, who holds office for four years, 
and a Vice-President, chosen for the same term. No person except a natural 



DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 127 

born citizen of the United States, having attained t> the age of 35 years, is elig- 
ible to the office. The President and Vice-President are elected by electors in 
each State, as prescribed by Article XII., Amendments to the Constitution of 
the United States (1804), the Acts of Congress of March 1, 1792, and January 
23, 1S45, all( l State law enacted in compliance therewith. Alter the Vice-Presi- 
dent the President of the Senate />ro temhjre, or, if none, the Speaker of the 
House of Kepresentatives,for the time being, is authorized to act as President until 
the disability be removed or a President elected. The declination or resigna- 
tion of the President or Vice-President must be in writing, and delivered into 
the office of the. Secretary of State. 

The term of office commences March 4th, after the election, if Sunday, on the 
day following ; no inaugural ceremony is required, except that the oath per- 
scribed by the Constitution be taken. This solemn duty is performed by the 
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. 

The President's salary is $50,000 per annum, and the use of the furniture 
and effects belonging to the United States and kept in the Executive Mansion. 
The official household consists of a private and assistant secretaries, two ex- 
ecutive clerks, one steward and one messenger. The s'etuard of the President's 
household, under the direction of the President, is responsible for the piate, 
furniture and other public property in the President's House, and must give a 
bond to the United States for a fiithful discharge of his trust. Jefferson was 
the first President inaugurated in Washington The first inaugural address 
delivered outside the Senate Chamber was by Monroe. The executive has no 
powers except in conjunction with the legislative branch, Previous to the 
adoption of the Constitution the executive power was vested in Congress. 



DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 

The Department of State, (open daily from 9£ a. m. to 2\ 
p. m., except Thursdays, devoted exclusively to the diplomatic 
corps, and Saturdays, during sessions of Congress, to members,) 
occupies the S. pavilion of the imposing edifice, immedi- 
ately W. of the President's House. 

The Building : — This vast structure, erected for the 
accommodation of the Departments of State, War and Navy, 
designed by A. B. Mullett, Supervising Architect of the 
Treasury, consists of three harmonious buildings united by 
connecting wings, and together forming in design and exe- 
cution, the finest edifice of the kind in the world. 

The style is the Roman Doric (Italian Renaissance), 
originally treated. It combines the massive proportions of 
ancient with the elegance of modern architecture. The 
dimensions from N. to S., including pavilion projections and 
steps, are 567 ft., and from E. to W. 342 ft., or exclusive of 
projections, 471 ft. N. and S. and 253 ft. E. and W. The 
greatest height from the terrace level over all is 128 ft. 
There is a sab-basement and basement of Maine granite, and 



128 DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 

superstructure of Virginia granite, comprising four stories in 
the pavilions of the N. and S. facades, and one in the roof, 
and five stories and one in the roof in the E. and W. cen- 
tre pavilions. The whole is crowned by an artistically de- 
signed mansard roof. The building was commenced in 1871. 
and the S. pavilion finished and occupied by the Depart- 
ment of State in 1875. The entire structure has 150 
rooms, and cost $5,000,000. 

The building has four facades of equal importance, the N. 
and S., and the E. and W. being respectively counterparts. 
There are two courts into which there are four private car- 
riage ways from the E. and W. The E. and W. facades pre- 
sent the appearance of a centre and two lateral wings. 
The centre is connected with the N. and S. by two wings. 
There are four grand entrances by the N.. S. and, E. W. centres 
of the pavilions approached by massive flights of steps 
through the projecting porticoes. The platforms are of im- 
mense blocks of granite, weighing over 20 tons each. There 
are four other entrances of less importance. The building 
is absolutely fire-proof. All the stone was dressed in the 
quarries. The sub-basement is devoted to storage, fur- 
naces and engines, the basement to bindery, storage and 
clerks' rooms. The remaining stories are divided into 
splendid apartments, for the uses of the various bureaus of 
the Department. 

Objects of Interest: — A grand corridor traverses the building 
from E. to W., and is intersected from the S. grand entrance by a spacious 
hail. Opposite is a passenger elevator. On the left is an ante-room On 
the second floor, S. side, over-looking the Potomac, is The Reception Room 
(4 and 6), a sumptuous salon, open (when not in use) except on Thursdays; 
decorated in the Germanized Egyptian style, in distemper with Marquetry 
floor, and furnishings of ebonized wood and gold brocade. Here is a beautiful 
silver Urn, presented by citizens of Philadelphia, in 1812, to Captain Isaac 
Hull, of the U. S. frigate Constitution, for his victory over the British ship 
Guerriere, August 19, 1812 ; also a brace of pistols and a gold-mounted sword, 
to the same, from citizens of Connecticut. The room of the Secretary of State 
(12), adjoining on the E , is chastely tinted. The rooms of the Assistant Secre- 
taries and Chief Clerk are on the same range. The Diplomatic ante-room (1) 
is also delicately tinted. On the third story, over the S. entrance, is the Li- 
brary, The alcoves, arranged in four tiers, are entirely of iron. Over head is 
u glass canopy. The library is the most complete and valuable, in works of 
diplomacy, on this continent. 

[n the department are the original rolls of all the lams of the United States 
and the Diplomatic and Consular archives, including treaties, from the foun- 
dation of the Government. There are also othe r documents of historic value, 
principally the original drafts of the old Revolutionary documents, the Federal 
Constitution, Washington's Commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Ameri- 
can troops during the Revolution, and the Andre papers. The day before the 
ojcupation of the city by the British, John Graham, Stephen Pleasanton and 
Josiah King, clerks in the department, carried these, with many other valuable 
documents, to a place of safety across the Potomac. The treaties and other 
records are preserved in the room of the Keeper of Rolls. Until 1873 the more 
interesting treaties were shown to the public, but the valuable seals of some of 



ISO DEPARTMENT OF STATU. 

them having been stolen by a subordinate of the department, they have since 
been placed away for greater security The files of American Newspapers, 
from 1781, are the most extensive and complete in existence. 

The columns, pilasters, casings and beams in the corrjdors are of iron, the 
doors throughout are of Honduras Mahogany. The spacious stairways at 
either end of the corridors are of granite, with exquisite bronze balusters ; over 
head is a ..tucco canopy. There is an electric clock on each floor. The floors 
are of white Vermont and black Pennsylvania marbles. 

Secretaries of State — 1789, Thomas Jefferson, Va.; 1794, Edmund Ran- 
dolph, Va.; 1795, Timothy Pickering, Mass.; 1800, John Marshall, Va.; 1801, 
James Madison, Va.; 1809, Robert Smith, Md.; 1811, James Monroe, Va.; 
1S17, John Q. Adams, Mass.; 1825, Henry Clay Ky.; 1829, Martin Van Buren, 
X. Y.; 1831, Edward Livingston, La.; 1&33, Louis McLane-, Del.; 1834, John 
Forsyth, Ga.: 1841, Daniel Webster, Mass.; 1843, Hugh S. Legare, S. C; 1843, 
A. P. Upshur, Va.; 1844, John Nelson, Md.; 1844, J. C. Calhoun. S. C; 1845, 
James Buchanan, Penn.; 1849, J. M. Clayton, Del.; 1850, Daniel Webster, 
Mass.; 1852, Edward Everett, Mass.; 1853, W\ L. Marcy, N. Y.; 1S57, Lewis 
Cass, Mich.; i860 Jer. S. Black, Penn.; 1861, W. H. Seward, N. Y.; 1869, E. 
P. Washburne, 111.; 1869, Hamilton Fish, N. Y. 

History of the Department. — Before the adoption of the Constitu- 
"tionofthe United States the' Department of Foreign Affairs" was under the 
direction of an officer styled ' Secretary to the United States of America for the 
Department of Foreign Affairs," who was required to " reside where Congress or 
a committee of the States should sit," and held his office during the pleasure of 
Congress. On July 27, 17S9, after the adoption of the Constitution, the office 
was created an executive department, to be known as the Department of For- 
eign Affairs, and the head as the '• Secretary for the Department of Foreign 
Affairs " On September 15, 1789, the name was changed to Department ot 
^tate, and the chief officer designated Secretary of State. The Secretary is 
ex officio a member of the Cabinet of the President of the United States, and 
carries out his instructions, "agreeable to the Constitution," in all matters re- 
lating to diplomatic intercourse with foreign nations. Under this general pro- 
■. :>ion he is specially charged with the negotiation of all treaties with foreign 
Powers, and conducts all official correspondence with the diplomatic repre- 
sentatives of foreign governments resident in the United States, and with the 
diplomatic officers and consuls of the United States abroad, and grants pass- 
ports to citizens ol the United States-leaving the country. He is the custodian 
of the seal of the United States, being governed in its use by the orders of the 
President. He also prepares and attests the commissions granted to all officers 
confirmed by the Senate and superintends the publication of all acts and reso- 
i 11 dons of Congress, and foreign and Indian treaties, and preserves the originals 
oi the same. 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 131 

TKEASURY DEPAKTMENT. 

The Treasury Department (open to the public daily, except 
Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 2 p. m.) lies E. of the President's 
House, on the line of loth St., and may be reached from the 
E. or W. by the Pennsylvania-av. line of street cars. 

Description of the Building— The general plan of the 
building- measures 468 ft. from 1ST. to S.. and 264 ft. from E. 
to TV., or, inclusive of porticos and steps, 582 ft. by 300 ft. 
The order is pure Grecian Ionic, the columns and pilasters 
running through three stories, above which is an attic, and 
below two stories in a basement, the lower one of rustic 
work. The sky-line of the entire building is surmounted by 
a stone balustrade. The building has four fronts. The W., 
which faces the city, consists of a colonnade 336 ft. long and 
30 Ionic columns, flanked on either side by a recessed portico. 
The colonnade and corresponding portion are of Virginia 
freestone. 

The rest of the entire structure is granite, from Dix island, 
on the coast of Maine. The E. front, facing the President's 
House, is broken by a grand central portico, consisting of 8 
monolithic pillars front, and 2 in the recess in the centre, 
and the same in the recesses on either side. This portico is 
reached by a broad flight of steps. At either end, on the same 
line, are two small porticos, corresponding with those on the 
TV. side. The 1ST. and S. fronts are the same, consisting of a 
central portico with 8 columns front, and 2 in the recess. 
Steps descend to a broad tessellated platform, bounded on 
either side by a balustrade. The platform on the 1ST. front is 
below the level of the avenue. A beautiful fountain adds to 
the attractions of this front. On the S. the same platform 
stands a few feet above the level, which gives a very impos- 
ing effect. The shafts of all the columns in the extension 
are monolithic, 31£ ft. high, 4 ft. in diameter, and weigh 33 
tons. The pilasters are also single blocks of the same height, 
and weigh 6 tons. The cap-stones of the blockings, against 
which the steps abut, measure each 18 ft.Xl7 ft.x20 in., and 
weigh 43 tons. The sills, piers, and cornice are of very fine 
design and workmanship. On the E., N., and S., on either 
side of the steps and platforms, are beautiful parterres, in 
summer filled with flowers and ornamental shrubs. The 
building has 4 principal entrances on a line with the order, 
and 3 in the basement on the W. front. The interior arrange- 
ment of the plan consists of 2 hollow squares, separated by a 
wing 57 ft. wide, and, exclusive of the main building, 120 ft. 



132 



TR KASURY D KPARTMENT. 



deep, projecting W. These squares measure each 138 ft. by 
123 ft. The old portion of the present building*, erected part- 
ly on the same site after the destruction of its predecessor, 
the S. E. executive building, in March, 1833, was designed 
by Robert Mills, commenced in 1836, and ready for occupan- 
cy in 1841. It was of a T shape, the colonnade fronting E., 
and a wing projecting W. The colonnade is after the style of 
the Temple of Minerva Pallas at Athens. In order to secure 
a uniformity of fronts, it is proposed to take clown the colon- 
nade on the VV. and replace it with a facade corresponding 
with that on the E. This would necessitate the acquisition 
of a portion of the square opposite. In 1855 the extension 
was designed by Walter, and begun by Young, continued 
by Rogers, and finished by Mullett. The W. entrance is 
reached by a double flight of steps, into a vestibule formed 
of G Doric columns, supporting groined arches. In the cen- 
tre is the main corridor, dividing-" the building into two parts, 
and leading to the E. vestibule and entrance. On the r. and 




TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 

!. are corridors to the wings. A double stairway to the base- 
ment and the upper stories springs from this vestibule. There 
are also stairways in each angle and opposite the E. entrance. 
The vestibules of the N\ and W. entrances are chastely de- 
signed, supported on iron columns. The corridors of the 
extension are broken by iron pilasters, and the capitals, cor- 
nice, and ceilings are ornamented with emblematic designs. 
The entrance on the S. front opens directly into the S. corn- 
dor. The building contains 195 rooms,. in addition to those in 



134 TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 

the sub-basement devoted to heating apparatus, shops, 
and store-rooms, and the attic, occupied by the Bureau 
of Engraving and Printing. Cost, $6 000,000. 

Objects of Interest. — The Office of the Secretary of the Treasury is a 
beautiful apartment on the second floor, on the S. side of the south corridor. 
The Cash Room, entrance on the first floor, N. corridor. The balcony is en- 
tered by a door from the S. corridor on the second floor. The most attractive 
features of the room are the walls, which are of highly polished marbles of 
beautiful variety, as follows: Lower Story— stylobate, base, black, Ver- 
mont ; mouldings, Bardiglio, Italian : stiles, dove, Vermont ; panels, Sienna, 
Italian; dies, Tennessee. Above stylobate, pilasters and panel beads, 
white-veined, stiles, Sienna, Italian; panels, Bardiglio, Italian; cornice, 
white-veined, Italian. Upper Story— stylobate same as lower. Above 
stylobate as in lower story, except the panels, which are Sarrangolum marble 
from the Pyrenees. The vaults, in which the current funds of the Govern- 
ment are kept, may be seen on a written permit from the Treasurer of the 
United States, office in the NE. angle of the building, first floor, deliver to 
the Cashier, first door W. of the entrance to the Cash Room. The vaults are 
of steel and chilled iron, about 20 by 15 ft. Another of the same capacity is 
overhead. The aihuunt usually in the vault is about $10,000,000, including 
gold coin. The money is kept in packages or bags in the wooden cases. Near 
the door of the vault is an elevator, used for conveying money between the 
vaults above and the express office immediately below. As much as $5,060,000 
have been shipped to the different sub-treasuries in a single day. The vault 
ji which the national batik bonds are kept is on the same floor, near by, the 
permit being delivered to the Chief of the Division of National Banks, whose 
office is in the NW, angle of the building. In the basement are two reserve 
vaults, not open to visitors at all. 

The Counting of the Currency may be seen through the doorways on the 
right of the west corridor, N. end. None but employees are permitted to enter. 
The counting is done entirely by lady clerks. The facility and accuracy with 
tvhich they accomplish their work are marvelous. , 

The Library on the S. corridor third floor contains 8,000 volumes of the 
choicest works in every branch of literature It is for the use of the employees. 

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing in the attic, at the head of the 
flight of steps leading up from the \V. entrance. Visitors are admitted when 
in operation, from 0.30 to 10.30 a. m., by order of the Secretary of the Trea- 
sury, in the discretion of the Superintendent of the Bureau. In these rooms 
are presses and other machinery for the printing of United States bonds and 
other securities and notes, fractional currency, and internal revenue stamps. 
The engraving is also done in the Bureau. About 500 men and women are 
employed. A 100-horse power engine runs the machinery. The paper is 
counted as issued, and no employee is permitted to leave till all the sheets are 
returned to the officer in charge. 

The Redemption Division, N. corridor of the basement; the currency unfit 
for circulation, and received from all parts of the country, is here counted and 
cancelled previous to be burned. The cancelling is done by a machine run by 
a turbine wheel. A permit from the Treasurer must be obtained, the same 
as for a visit to the vaults. 

The Rooms of the Supervising A 7-chitect ot the Treasury in the basement, 
W. corridor S. end, contain a number of suberb drawings of public buildings 
erected by the government. The general features of inerest in the building 
are the north, west and south corridors, and the gracefully designed granite 
stairways leading from them. 

Photograph Office.— Opposite the S. entrance is the 
building occupied by the Photographer of the Treasury 
Department. Here fac similes of accounts for verification 
by agents sent throughout the country or abroad, and 
plans and elevations of public buildings, are made by 
means of photography. This work is carried on on a large 
scale. 



TltEAhURY DEPARTMENT. 135 

Ooast Survey. — This important office occupies a private 
building, erected, however, for its use, in 1871, on New Jer- 
sey av.iTSE. of the Capitol, between B and C sts., W. side. 
The object of the service is the survey of the coasts of the 
United States on tide water. Its operations commenced in 
1807, but its permanent organization was not effected till 1833. 
In the building- are preserved the original records and charts, 
topographical and hydrographies from the beginning. The 
Standards of Weights and Measures are also kept here, and 
are under the control of the Superintendent of the Coast Sur- 
vey. From these the standards are furnished to the States. 
The balance for heavy weights is a fine specimen of workman- 
ship, and took the premium at the World's Fair at London. 
There is also a set of French weights and measures, presented 
to the United States. These interesting objects are not on 
general exhibition. Gentlemen of science, or others having 
a special purpose in view, may see them on application to the 
Superintendent. 

Secretaries of the Treasury. — 1789, Alexander Hamilton, 
ST. Y.; 1795, Oliver Wolcott,' Jr., Conn. ; 1801, Samuel Dex- 
ter, Mass. ; 1801, Albert Gallatin, Penn. ; 1814, G. W. Camp- 
bell, Tenn. ; 1814, A. J. Dallas, Penn. ; 1816, W. H. Craw- 
ford, Ga. ; 1825, Richard Rush, Penn.; 1829, S. D. Ingham, 
Penn. ; 1831, Louis McLane, Del. ; 1833, W. J. Duane, Penn.; 
1833, Roger B. Taney, Mel.; 1834, Levi Woodbury, IS T . H. ; 
1841, Thomas E wing, Ohio ; 1841, W. Forward, Penn. ; 1843, 
J. C. Spencer, 1ST. Y. ; 1844, G. M. Bibb, Ky. ; 1845, R. J. 
Walker, Miss. ; 1849, W. M. Meredith, Penn.; 1850, Thomas 
Corwin, Ohio ; 1853, James Guthrie, Ky. ; 1857, Howell Cobb, 
Ga. ; 1860, P. F. Thomas, Md. ; 1861, J. A. Dix, N. Y. ; 1861, 
S. P. Chase, Ohio; 1864, W. P. Fessenden, Me.: 1865, H. 
McCulloch, Ind. ; 1869, G. S. Boutwell, Mass. ; 1873, W. A. 
Richardson, Mass.; 1874, B. H. Bristow, Ky. 

The k * Department of the Treasury" was organized under 
act of Congress of September 2, 1781), with a Secretary of the 
Treasury as the chief officer, who is also ex officio a member 
of the President's Cabinet. It was the duty of the Secretary 
to manage the business pertaining to the revenue and the 
support of the public credit, to make estimates of revenues 
and expenditures, to collect the revenue 1 , to decide the form 
of keeping and slat ing accounts and making returns, to grant 
warrant- for moneys authorized bylaw, to execute such ser- 
vices relative to the sale of public lands as wen- required of 
him by law, to communicate information to Congress, and 
generally to perform all services relative to the finances. In 
i800 the Secretary was required to submit, at the commence- 



136 



WAR DEPARTMENT. 



ment of every session, a report on the finances of the Gov- 
ernment, with estimates of revenue and expenditures. Under 
the act of 1789 it was the duty of the Treasurer of the United 
States to receive and keep the moneys of the United States 
and to disburse the same upon warrants drawn by the Secre- 
tary of the Treasury, countersigned by the Comptroller, and 
recorded by the Register. 



WAR DEPARTMENT. 

The War Department (open every day, Sunday excepted, 
from 9 a. m. to dp. m.) lies W. of the President's House, and 
fronts on Pennsylvania av. In former days it was known as 
the NW. Executive Building. It will be taken down to give 
place to the new department now being erected. The Sec- 
retary's office is at the E. end of the corridor on the second 
floor. Here may be seen a gallery of portraits of the Secre- 
taries of War, by various artists, among whom are Sully, 
Healy, Weir, Huntingdon, Brackett,Young,Ulke, and Thorpe. 
Portrait of Calhoun is an original, by Sully, and is very superior. 
It was taken from sittings. ' The rest are copies. The Head- 
quarters of the General of the Army, removed to St. Louis 1874, 




WAR DEPARTMENT. 



^;ere on the r.. inside of the E. entrance. There are many 
objects of interest, including rare manuscripts, in the depart- 
ment ; but not in a condition to be seen. It is intended to 



138 WAR DEPARTMENT. 

set apart a room for their exhibition in the new building, The 
Arsenal and Medical and Ordnance Museums, the latter in 
Winder's building, will be found elsewhere. In rented build- 
ings are the Signal Office and Flag Room. The latter occupies 
the first floor of a small building No. 616 W. side of 17th st., 
opposite the War Department, {open from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. 
daily, except Sunday. In one room are the United States 
and State flags taken from the national forces and recovered 
upon the capture of Richmond. In the back room are the 
captured Confederate flags. They represent every State. 
Some are associated with interesting historic incidents, others 
are curious and novel. 

Signal Office. — (Open every day, except Sunday, from 9 a. 
m. to 3 p. m.) The Chief Signal Officer of the Army, under 
whose direction the national weather observations are made, 
occupies two contiguous brick buildings on the N. side of G- 
st., W. of the War Department. The stranger in the city, 
upon reaching the head of the street, cannot fail to notice 
them by a variety of anemometers of divers sizes, and an- 
emoscopes or vanes projecting above the roof. A number 
of converging electric wires may be seen entering the build- 
ing, some communicating with self-registering instruments 
or connecting the telegraphic department of the office with 
the different stations in all parts of the country through the 
lines of the general telegraphic companies. 

The entrance for visitors is by the door No. 1719. They 
ascend to the instrument room in the fourth story. The 
chief interest centres in the Instrument Boom, where may be 
examined the apparatus employed in the various meteoro- 
logical observations. These instruments arc of the most ap- 
proved patterns, including the barometer, to show the atmos- 
pheric pressure and to indicate the passage of storms ; the 
thermometer, mercurial and spirit, for indicating the tem- 
perature of the air ; the hygrometer, to show the humidity 
of the air; one maximum and one minimum thermometer, 
to indicate the highest and lowest temperature; the anem- 
ometer, for obtaining the velocity of the wind; the wind 
vane, or anemoscope, for indicating the direction of the wind ; 
and the rain gauge, for noting the rain-fall. 

The roof of the building is devoted to the instruments and 
apparatus requiring open exposure to the weather, such as 
rain-gauges, wind-vanes, and anemometers. A shelter also 
projects from a window on the N., designed with special 
reference to the comparison of thermometers and other in- 
struments in an equal temperature. In addition to these 
Instruments of common use, there is a complete set of self- 



WAR DEPARTMENT. 139 

recording and photographic meteorological instruments, operated by means of 
clock-work and electric batteries. There are also two cases containing a "pano- 
rama of the elouds," illustrating the different kind of clouds, showing the 
transformation of each type of clouds into its derivative. It also shows me- 
teoric effects, especially the localization of clouds about the crest of peaks or 
on the summits of loftier mountain ranges. There are also other instruments 
of general use, though not part of meterological science. The report of the 
meteoric condition of the United States, and the height of the various navigable 
rivers is published throughout the country in the newspapers and at 4.500 post- 
offices, in synopsis and probabilities and weather maps. Cautionary signals 
. are displayed at sea and lake ports for the benefit of vessels. A line of tele- 
graphic wires connects the life-saving Stations, by means of which caution- 
ary signals are displayed along the coast, thus warning small craft in time to 
seekshelter on the approach of a storm. All observations are made synchro- 
nously at the different stations at the exact hours of 7.35 a. m., 4.35 p. m. and 
11.35 p. rn„ Washington time. All the reports are received and results dis- 
tributed, except to post-offices, over the lines of the principal telegraphic com- 
panies. The instruction of the army in military signaling and telegraphy, 
and for supplying it with the necessary apparatus, previously conducted on an 
experimental basis, since 1870 has been prosecuted with a degree of success 
which promises to materially simplify the difficulty of moving large bodies of 
troops or fleets of vessels, and to constitute an essential element of tactical 
operations, whether on the march or in battle. Signal schools of instruction 
have been established. The Signal Bureau is divided into two branches. The 
Division of Signals Proper, to embrace the system of military signals and 
telegraphy, and to have charge of the instruction of officers and men of any 
branch of the service designated for that duty, and the Division of Telegrams 
and Reports for the Benefit of Commerce. 

On Nov. 1, 1870, at 7 35 a. m., the first systematized synchronous meteoric 
reports ever taken in the United States were read from the instruments by the 
observer sergeants of the signal service at 24 stations, and placed upon the tele- 
graphic wires for transmission. In Oct., 1871, the display of cautionary sig- 
nals was inaugurated at ports on the Atlantic and the Gulf coast and the north- 
ern lakes. The sphere of usefulness of this important service is annually ex- 
tended. 

See Winder's Building for Ordnance Museum, &>c, page 170. 

Secretaries of War, — 17S9, Henry Knox, Mass ; 1795, Timothy Pickering; 
Mass.; 1796, James McHenry, Md., 1800, Samuel Dexter, Mass.; 1801, Roger 
Griswold, Conn.; 1801, Henry Dearborn, Mass.; 1809, William Eustis, Mass.; 
1*013, John Armstrong, N, Y.; 1814. Jas. Monroe, Va.; 181=;, W. H. Crawford, 
Ga.; 1817, J. C.Calhoun, S. C, 1825, James Barbour, Va ; 1S28, P. B. Por- 
ter, N. Y.; 1820, J. H. Eaton, Tenn.; 1831. Lewis Cass, Mich.; 1837, Joel R. 
Poinsett, S. C.": 1841, John Bell, Tenn.; 184T, J. C. Spencer, N. Y.; 1844, W. 
Wilkins, Perm.; 1845, W. L. Marcy, N. Y.; 1849, G, W. Crawford, Ga.; 
1850, Gen. Winfield Scott, ad in.. Army; 1850, C. M. Conrad, La.; 1853, Jef- 
ferson Davis, Miss.; 1S57, J. B. Floyd, Va.; i860, J. Holt, Ky.; 1861, Simon 
Cameron, Penn.; 1S62, E. M. Stanton, Ohio,; 1867, Gen. U. S.Grant, adin., 
Army; 1S68, Adj. Gen. L. Thomas, ad. in., Army; 1868, J. M. Schofield, 
III.; 1869, J. A. Rawlins, 111.; 1869, Gen. W. T. Sherman, p. I., Army; 1869 
W. W. Belknap, Io.; 1876, Alphonso Taft, Ohio. 

History of the Department. — Prior to 1789 the Secretary of War was 
charged with the direct management of military affairs, and responsible to 
Congress. 1'he office was created an executive department by the act of Con- 
gress, August 7, 17S9, to be known as the Department of War, and the chief 
officer as Secretary for the Department of War. He was required to execute 
the orders of the President of the United States, "agreeably to the Constitu- 
tion,'' in all matters respecting military or naval affairs, to the granting of 
lands to persons entitled to the same for military services rendered to the United 
States, and relative to Indian affairs. The early powers of the Secretary of War, 
by subsequent enactment, have been restricted solely to the exercise, under the 
direction of the President, of jurisdiction over the military service. The 
Secretary of War is ex officio a member of the Cabinet of the President. 



140 NAVY DEPARTMENT 

NAVY DEPARTMENT. 

This department {open every day, except Sunday, from 9 a. 
m. to 3 p. m.) lies W. of the President's House, and was for- 
merly designated the SW. Executive Building. This structure 
will shortly be taken down, to make space for the new depart- 
ment now being erected. The original building faced S. A 
wing erected in 1864 now projects instead. The Secretary's 
office is at the S. end of the corridor on the second floor. The 
Admiral's office is at his residence, 1710 H st. NW. The Na- 
val Observatory, Navy-yard, and Marine Barracks will be 
described under their appropriate heads. The Hydrograpliic 
office, NE. corner of 18th st. and New York av. NW\, occu- 
pies a rented building called the "Octagon," the residence of 
the President of the United States till the restoration of the 
President's House after the occupation of the city in 1814. 
The Hydrograpliic office was established in 1866, and is a 
branch of the Bureau of Navigation. Its objects are the col- 
lection of hydrographic information, preparation of sailing 
directions, the collection of charts, the engraving and print- 
ing of new ones, and the revision of old ; also the care of all 
instruments except chronometers and compasses. 

Nautical Almanac Office — This branch of the Bureau of 
Navigation occupies a rented building, No. 807 22d st. NW. 
Was started at Cambridge, Mass., under an act of Congress, 
1849. In 1866 it was removed to Washington. The object- 
is the computation of astronomical tables for the use of the 
Naval Observatory and Navy. A set of tables is also printed 
for the merchant service, giving longitude of Washington and 
Greenwich. Under the act of 1850 the meridian of the Na- 
val Observatory was adopted as the American meridian for 
astronomical and that of Greenwich for nautical purposes. 
The almanac is prepared three years in advance. There is a 
fine astronomical library connected witli the office. 

Secretaries of the Navy. — 1780, Henry Knox, Mass. ; 1704. 
Timothy Pickering, Pen n.; 1706, James McHenrv, Md. : 170S, 
Benjamin Stodclert, Md. ; 1802, Robert Smith', Md.; 1$>5, 
Jacob Crowninshield, Mass.; 1800, Paul Hamilton, S. C; 
1813, William Jones, Pehn.; 1814, B. W. Ciwninshield, 
Mass. ; 1818, Smith Thompson. N. Y. ; 1823, S. L. Southard, 
N. J. ; 1820. John Branch, N. C. ; 1831, Levi AVoodbury, N. 
H. ; 1834, Mahlon Diekerson, N. J. ; 1838, J. K. Paulding, N. 
Y.; 1841, G. E. Badger, N. C. ; 1841, A. P. Upshur, Va. ; 1844. 
T. W. Gilmer, Va. ; 1844, J. Y. Mason, Va. ; 1845, George 
Bancroft, Mass.; 1846, John Y. Mason, Va. ; 1840, W. B. 



i4i NAVY DEPARTMENT. 

Preston, Va.; 1850, W. A. Graham, N. C. ; 1852, J. C. Kennedy, 
Md.; 1853, J. C. Dobbin, N. C. j 18C7, Isaac Toucey, Conn ; 
1861, Gideon Welles, Conn.; 1869, A. E. Boiie. Penn.; 18d9, G. 
M. Robeson, N. J. 

The naval service, previously under the direction of the 
Secretary of War, ill April, 1798, was assigned to an execu- 
tive department created for the purpose, and designated the 
Department of the Navy, the chief officer of which was to be 
called the Secretary of the Navy. His duties were to execute 
the orders of the President of the United States in all matters 
connected with the naval establishment of the United States. 
During the same year the Marine Corps was organized, as an 
adjunct to the naval establishment. 

In 1332 the department was reorganized by the division of 
its duties into eight bureaus, viz, Ordnance, Equipment and 
Recruiting 5 , Yards and Docks, Navigation, Medicine and Sur- 
gery, Provisions and Clothing, Steam Engineering, and Con- 
struction and Repair. 

The Secretary of the Navy is ex officio a member of the 
Cabinet of the President of the United States. 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. 

This department (open every day, except Sunday, from 9 a. 
m. to 3 p. m.) occupies offices in the vast structure known 
as the Patent Office. (For description see page 144.) 

Objects of Interest (Main Floor). — The Office of the Secretary of the 
Interior, at the south end of the E. corridor, a fine apartment containing a 
collection of photographs of the Secretaries of the Interior, and paintings of 
Thomas Ewing and Caleb B. Smith, by Stanley, former Secretaries: the 
Office of the Commissioner of Patents, on the N. corridor, where will be 
found a set of engravings of the Commissioners, including a portrait of Dr. 
William Thornton of Penn., designer of the original plan of the Capitol, and 
Superintendent of Patents in the State Department, 1803-1827. A very valu- 
able portrait oft Robert Fulton, of Penn., one of the inventors of the steam- 
boat, and painted by himself; Fulton studied under Benjamin West, of Penn., 
president of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, London. Also 8 artist proof 
engravings of celebrated inventors from original paintings in the collection 
of and presented by B. Woodcroft, of the Great Seal Patent Office, London. 
The Department Library, on the N. corridor, containing over 6,000 volumes 
for the use of employees in the building ; the Patent Office Library on the S. 
corridor, containing over 7,000 volumes bearing upon the mechanic and useful 
arts, and for reference in the library room, and the Indian Office where some- 
times may be seen the representatives of Indian nations, who have been 
brought to the Capitol in connection with negotiation of treaties or business 
arising under them. The remaining offices in the building possess no par- 
ticular interest to the general visitor. For description of Model Museum see 
page 147. 

Bureau of Education. — (Open every day, except Sunday, 
from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) — Occupies a rented building on the 
NE. corner of G and 8th sts. NW. There is a fine library 



DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. 143 

of educational works, and other objects of interest in the 
p ro m o t i o n of edu cat i on . 

History. — In 1837 Congress authorized the deposit with the different 
States, in proportion to their representation, of millions of the surplus funds 
in the Treasury for safe keeping, and repayment when required. The income 
of this fund in some states was used for school purposes. 

Ill 1SG2 followed the grants for colleges of agriculture and 
the mechanic arts. Taken in connection with previous acts of 
liberality for the same purpose, the total of land grants in tin 
interest of education amounted to 78,570,794 acres. If ex- 
tended to the eleven Territories when admitted to the Union. 
the aggregate will reach the magnificent endowment of 
70. r>G(!, 794 acres, or 124.32;] square miles. This area of terri- 
tory is greater than that of the whole of the British Isles, and 
over half t he area of Imperial Germany or France. Or, valued 
at the Government price of $1 23 per acre, makes a donation 
of $99,458,492 50. All the nations in Christendom put to- 
gether have not done so much for the education and future 
happiness of their people. The idea of using- the public do- 
main for educational purposes is not modern. In 1823 it was 
a subject of inquiry in the House of Representatives, the 
proposition being to set apart a portion of this income to be 
distributed for the promotion of education in the several 
States. In 1824 a resolution was submitted in the same 
House to the effect that all money received from these sales 
ought to be appropriated exclusively for the support of com- 
mon schools and the construction of roads and canals. In 
1S26 Mr. Dickinson in the Senate reported a similar resolu- 
tion, but without success. Out of the aid later afforded sprung 
the common-school system of the interior KW. 

On March 2, 1867, Congress created a Department of Edu- 
cation, for the purpose of collecting such statistics and facts 
as show the condition and progress of education in the several 
States and Territories, and of diffusing such information re- 
specting the organization and management of schools and 
school systems and methods of teaching as may aid the people 
of the United States in the establishment and maintenance 
of efficient schools, and of otherwise promoting the cause 
of education throughout the country. The management of 
the department was intrusted to a Commissioner appointed 
by the President and confirmed by the Senate. 

The Commissioner was required: to report annually to Con- 
gress the results of his investigations and labors, together 
with a statement of such facts and recommendations as would 
in his judgment subserve the purposes for which the depart- 
ment was established. The next year Congress reduced the 
department to a bureau, to be called the "Office of Educa- 
tion," under the directions of the Secretary of the Interior. 



144 



DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. 



Survey of the Territories.— Office 2d National Bank 
Building, 7th st. ber. K and F sts. N. W., (open every day, 
except Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) Here will be found 
a complete and interesting collection of sketches and maps, 
also photographs, by W. H. Jackson, taken during the 
various expeditions inaugurated in 1867, and conducted 
under the command and scientific direction of Dr. F. V. 
Hayden and business management of Captain James Ste- 
venson, his associate. The collection includes the Yellow- 
stone region, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado, and 1000 neg- 
atives illustrative of Indians and Indian life. 

Secretaries of the Interior.- 1849, Thomas Ewing, Ohio; 1S50, Thos. M 
T. McKenna, Penna.; 1850, A. H. H. Stuart, Vs.; 18^3, Robert McClelland' 
Mich.; 1857, J- Thompson, Miss.; 1S61, C. H. Smith, Ind ; 1863 J. P. Usher 
Ind., 1865, James Harlan, Io ; i866 ; O. H. Browning, 111.; 1869, J. D. Cox^ 
Ohio; 1S71, Columbus Delano, Ohio; 1075, Zachariah Chandler, Mich. 



Hi.viu. v t/i 1 ,1 i) i-.ixiMb.vi.— l/hc ac! of March 3, i^j, ( .rc.m.'il .. home 
department. u.U cdied the I »t-pai tment of the Interior, the head ui which 
was tobeciiitd the Secretary of the Inter-or, to be appointed by the Presi- 
dent with the advice and consent of the Senate, and is ex officio a member of 
the Cabinet. He is charged with ihe administration of affairs relating to the 
Territories of the United States, patents, public lands, pensions, Indians, cen- 
sus, education, and the beneficiary asylums in the District of Columbia be- 
longing to the Government, and has supervisory control over the architect 0/ 
the Capitol. 




PATENT OFFICE. 

The Patent Office occupies two. squares, extending from 
7th to 9th sts. W. and from F to G sts. N"., and 5,3 about equi- 
distant from the capitol and the President's House. It may 
be reached from cither by the Metropolitan or F-st. horse rail- 
way. The 7th-st. liprse'cars pass it on the E. The main en- 
trance is on F st., and fronts Sth st. facing south. 



PATENT OFFICE. 145 

Description. — Tliis immense pile, situated on the reserva- 
tion set apart in the old plan of the city for the National 
Church or Mausoleum, is pure Greeian Doric, of massive pro- 
portion-, and measures t53 ft. from E. to W. and 331 ft. from 
N". to S., including' the projections of the portico, and has an 
elevation of 7a ft., surmounted by an acroteria. The build- 
ing contains 191 roams and cost $2,700,000. The reservation 
(8) upon which it stands embraces 4} 5 a., and the structure 
itself covers 2] a. 

The original structure, commenced in 1837 and finished in 1842, was 270 ft. front 
. F st. and 70 it. deep, or 150 ft. including S. portico and N. apse, and was built of 
fr< estone from the Government quarries at Aquia Creek. It was designed by W. P. 
Elliott, 1 Elliott & Town, engineers) and executed by Robert Mills. The E. lining 
was authorized in 1849, commenced by Robert Mills, who was succeeded in 1851 by 
FJ.'.ard Clark, then assistant and later architect of the Capitol, who completed the 
building in 1864. It consists of two wings, on the E. and W., and an intervening 
ouilding on the N., corresponding with the old structure on the S., the whole form- 
ing on an interior quadrangle 265 ft. by 135 ft. The E. Wing was occupied by the 
Secretary of the Interior in 1853. The new portions of the building are of Mary- 
land marble on the exterior and New England granite on the quadrangle. Th« 
original building is painted white to harmonize with the extension. The edifice 
rests on a sub-base of granttc, above which is a basement of the material of the super- 
structure, after which rises the order, pierced with two stories of windows, the 
•.hole surmounted by an acroteria to correspond with the earlier portion of the 
itructure. The extgllor is entirely without display. The absence of ornament 
about the windows will be observed. A depression in the configuration of the site 
of the building brings the sub-basement into view on 9th st. On 7th st. the level is 
on a line with the basement. Between 'he streets and the building on the S. E. and 
W. are small lawns and evergreens. 

On the S., facing 8th st. W., is an imposing 'portico, ap- 
proached by a lofty flight of granite steps which abut against 
proportionate blockings of the same material. The portico 
rests on a substruction of masonry, and is composed of two 
rows of 8 Doric columns, fluted, 6 ft. in diameter and 32 ft. 
high, raised in sections and flanked by immense pilasters. 
Ir is modeled after the Parthenon, or Temple of Minerva, at 
Athens, and is of the same dimensions. A careful study of 
its proportions must impress the beholder with its grandeur. 
On the E. is a portico of a single row of six columns, and also 
reached from the street by a grand flight of steps. On the 
N..is a portico of 8 columns in a single row. The steps here 
do not ascend to the order, but to the base of the line of piers 
upon which the portico stands. From this a door enters the 
basement. On the W. the portico corresponds with thac on 
the E., with the absence of the steps to the order, in this case 
the ascent being by a double flight to the basement. In the 
E. Wing there are 4 doors entering the basement, 2 of which 
are on the JN". and S. 

From the main portico a door opens into a spacious en- 
trance hall or vestibule, with an arched ceiling groined on 8 
Doric columns and 10 pilasters: On the r. and 1. runs a 
corridor, which extends entirely around the main floor of 



References to the Plan of the Model Museum Halls. — A,m.Mn •■ 
trance; B, Superintendent of Model Rooms; C, Store-room ; D, Photo-litl, 
grapher's Room; E, Photo-lithographer's Room: F, Ladies' Retiring Ru >m 



• • • • o o 



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=MJBfe=ji^=fflfc=^BiT^fe- 



0000 000O0OOO00I0000ODO000 00001 

la-rj t T H .1 S V r A m 

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Gallery' Library of Patent Office Documents ; G, Room for L,a Deling M< 
e!s Gallery, Store Room ; H, Entrance from Basement Wqst From; 
Draftsman's Room; Gallery, Store Room; J, Store Room- 

St r? Room. 



Galle >-i 



PATENT OFFICE. 



147 



the building, and upon which open the various offices of 
the Department of the Interior. [For description of those of 
interest see Department of the Interior, page J 42.] 

The visitor can make the entire circuit of the building 
by this corridor. In each angle are granite steps to the base- 
ment, where are offices and storage vaults. From the S. 
entrance and vestibules double flight of steps leads to the 
Museum of Models of the Patent Office ; beneath this to the 
basement. 

Museum of Models. — {Open every clay, except Sunday* 
and holidays, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) This interesting 
collection of American and foreign inventions, patented 
under the laws of the United States, embraces upwards 
of Io5,00Q models, accumulated since the fire of 1836, and 
divided into 145 general clases, and nearly 8,000 relevant 
subdivisions. The Museum occupies a suite of four magnifi- 
cent halls on the four sides of the building, second floor. 
Each case contains an index card. 

See Kjejm's Illustrated Guide to the Museum of 
Models, Patent Office, for a catalogue of models and 
history of the most notable inventions. 




Ztpjrighi, 1874, Deli. R. Keim. 

> ITTTH HAT.I, MODEL MUSEUM, PATENT OFFIOB. 



148 PATENT OFFICE. 

S.- Hall, (entrance.) — This is a superb apartment, 242 ft. 
long by 63 ft. wide and 30 ft. high. The prospect is broken 
by 36 doric columns in quadruple rows, with then- entablature, 
20 ft. high, and corresponding pilasters, which support a se- 
ries of groined arches of 10 ft. spring, artistically adjusted to 
secure both solidity and effect. In the centre is a raised arch 
40 ft. high, of beautiful construction, and pierced by an aper- 
ture of 13 ft. in diameter. This part of the ceiling is admi- 
rably adapted to harmonize the range of arches on either side 
with the main design. The entire complicated structure of 
the room is of solid masonry. The general style of decora- 
tion is Pompeiian, with appropriate adaptation. The iron 
stairway opposite the door leads to a storage room over the S. 
portico, used for documents. Near the entrance door are a 
number of relics of historic value and interest. On the r. is 
the printing-press of Franklin, at which he worked in London 
in 1728. The case, nearly opposite, (No. 24,) contains a num- 
ber of Washington relics, including a set of china and cande- 
labra, presented to him by officers" of the Society of the Cin- 
cinnati; one plate to Martha Washington from Gen. Lafayette, 
1781; the uniform of Washington, worn when he resigned 
his commission in 1783 ; a tea-board presented him, and his 
sword, secretary, cane, compass, and sleeping-tent. Among 
other relics in the same case is the coat worn by Jackson at 
the battle of New Orleans; Baron de Kalb's war saddle; a 
sword presented to Commodore Biddle by the Viceroy of 
Peru ; sabres from Ali Pacha, Bey of Egypt, to the officers 
of the U. S. ship Concord, 1832 ; a coat of Gen. Paez, associ- 
ate of Simon Bolivar, and a eimeter. The case (No. 23) next 
on the W. contains the original of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, Washington's commission as commander-in-chief, 
dated at Philadelphia, June 19, 1775, treasure chest, furni- 
ture, part of a set, tents and tent poles, camp chest, andirons, 
curtains worked by Martha Washington, and two chairs. In 
ill*' same case arc two guns of antique pattern, presented to 
President Jefferson by the Emperor of Morocco, a model pat- 
ented by Abraham Lincoln in 1847, for an improved method 
of lifting vessels over shoals; also a pair of gloves which be- 
longed to President Lincoln. In the S. hall are 57 cases con- 
taining models of artificial limbs, beer and wine, bleaching 
and dyeing, boots and shoes, caoutchouc, chemical miscella- 
neous, clasps and buckles, clay, coffin, cutlery,, dental, draft- 
ing, electricity, fuel, gas, gunpowder;, harness, horology, hose 
and belting, ice, leather, manures, measuring-instruments*, 
oils, fats and glue, optics, paint, plating, preserving food, 
signals, stills, sugar, surgery, tanning, trunks. This hall was 
originally intended for an exhibition of home manufactures 



PATKNT OFFICE. 



149 



This hall was originally intended for an exhibition <>f home manufactures. In 
1842 it was set apart tor the valuable collections in natural history brought back by 
the expedition of Commodore, afterwards Rear Admiral, Charles Wilkes. These 
were subsequently transferred to the National Museum in the Smithsonian building. 
Later the plants, herbarium, and crania were transferred to the Botanical Garden 
and Agricultural and Medical Museums respectively. In the hall were also a num- 
ber of interesting objects possessing historical associations, contributed by the vari- 
ous executive departments, or belonging to the National Institute, founded 1840, 
incorporated 184Z, and expired 1858. 




.H.H.NICHOLS. S 

Copyright, 1874, DeB. R. Keim. 

EAST HALL MODEL MUSEUM, PATENT OFFICE. 

E. Hall— On the 1. the S. liall opens into the E. hall, 271 
ft. long and 63£ ft. wide. The groined arches of the ceiling 
rest upon 28 marble piers and a requisite number of pilasters. 
It contains 130 cases, containing models of apparel, beds, 
boats, book-binding, builders' hardware, carding, cloth, cord- 
age, crinoline and corsets, dryers and kilns, educational, felt- 
ing 'and hats, line arts, fire-arms, fishing, furniture, games and 
toys, governors, jewelry, kitchen utensils, knitting and net- 
ting, lamps and gas-fitting, laundry, locks and latches, music, 
ordnance, paper-making, paper manufactures, photography, 
printing, projectiles, safes, sewing machines, ships ("2 classes,) 
silk, spinning, stationery, steam, (3 classes,) stoves and fur- 
naces, toilet, umbrellas and fans valves, weaving. 



150 



PATENT OFFICE. 




Copyright, 1*7-1 : DeB. J?. Kein. 

NORTH AXD WEST IIALLS MODEL MUSEUM, PATENT OFFIB. 

iV. Hall, reached from the E. hall, is 266 ft. long- by 39* 
wide. The vast room is covered by a paneled ceiling com- 
posed of iron girders, and entirely without support in the hall. 
The number of eases here are 88, containing' models of aera- 
tion and bottling, baths and closets, bee hives, bolts, nuts, 
and rivets, brakes and gins, casting, dairy, files, garden and 
orchard, grinding and polishing, hardware manufacture, liar- 
rows, harvesters!, horse shoes, metallurgy, metal working, (7 
classes,) mills, nails, needles and pins, ores, plows, pneumat- 
ics, pumps, railways, (4 classes,) saws, seeders and planted, 
sheet metal, stabling, tubing and wire, water distribution, 
water wheels, wire-working, wood-screws, wood-working, (4 
classes.) 

W. Hall is 271 ft. long, 64 ft. wide, and is the same in gen- 
eral design as the N\ It contains models of bridges, brushes 
and brooms, butchering, carpentry, carriages and wagons, 
excavators, fences, glass, hoisting, hydraulic engineering, 
journals and bearings, masonry, mechanical powers, paving, 
presses, rooting, stone, lime and cement, threshing;, tobacco. 1 

OommissionerS Of' Patents — 1836, Henry L. Ellsworth, Conn.; 1S4S; 
Edmund Burke, Vt. ; 1S49, Thomas Ewbank, N. Y. ; 1851, S. H. Hodges, Vt. 
1853, R. C. Weightma'n, D. C„ (acting ;1 1853, Charles Mason, Iowa; 1857, 



GENERAL POST OFFICE. 151 

Saitauel T« Shugeit, Penn , (acting;) 1857, Joseph Holt, Ky. ; 1859, °>- T. Shugert, 
Penn., (acting;) 1859, William D. Bishop, Conn.; i860, Philip F. Thomas, 
MJ. j 1S60, Samuel T. Shugert, Penn , (acting;) 1861, D. P. Holloway, Ind. ; 
1865. T. C. Theaker, Ohio; 1868, A. M. Stout, Ky., (acting;) 1868, S. H. Hodges, 
Vt., (acting;) 1868, E. Foote, N. Y ; 1869, S. S. Fisher, Ohio; 1870, Samuel L. 
Duncan, N. H., (acting;) 1871, Mortimer D. Leggctt, Ohio; 1S74, J. M. Thacher, 
Vt! 

HlStOiy. — The Patent Office of the United States, where models of all inven- 
tions patented since the fire of 1836 are carefully preserved for reference and exhibi- 
tion, is an institution without an equal in the world, and speaks more for the high 
character and practical basis of the American mind than could be expressed in vol- 
umes of written history or description. We are able here to trace, in practical detail, 
the progress of mechanical arts in the United States, since 1836, and but for the un- 
fortunate destruction of the early models, this same interesting investigation could 
be carried back to the beginning of the Government. The first legislation in Con- 
gress on the subject of inventions was the act of 1790 to promote the progress of use- 
ful arts, which authorized any person to petition the heads of any of the cxecGtive 
departments for a patent for any new invention. The patents were then recorded 
in the office of the Secretary of State. 

The rapid increase in the number of inventions early led Congress into special 
provisions for the accommodation of the Patent Office. In 1810 the erection or pur- 
chase of a suitable building for the use of the General Post Office and keeper of the 
patents and arrangement of the models was authorized. Under this authority a 
structure known as Blodgett's Hotel, on the E. st side of the present site of the Gen- 
eral Post Office, was secured. Up to 1820 all applications for patents were exam- 
ined by a clerk in the office of the Secretary of State. In that year Dr. Thornton, 
appointed by President Jefferson to issue patcrits, took upon himself the title ot 
Superintendent of the Patent Office. Under the act of July 4, 1836, the Patent 
Office was created a separate bureau in the Department of the Interior, and its chief 
officer received the title of Commissioner of Patents. 

On Dec. 15, 1S36, the building then occupied was completely consumed by lire, 
arid among the losses were the models accumulated during a half century, and num- 
bering upwards of 4,000. This was an irreparable calamity. After the fire the busi- 
ness of the bureau was transacted in the City Hall, now the District Court House, 
and remained there until it was removed to its present edifice. 

The first patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins on July 31, 1790, "for making 
pot or pearl ashes.'" No residence is given. 

Up to 7836, 46 years, 10,301 patents were issued, and to date over 155,000. The 
annual number of patents granted is about 1 3,000. 

The patent fund, from excess of fees over expenditures, amounts to about $800,- 
000. The annual receipts are about $700,000, and expenditures $660,000. A con- 
siderable sum out of the patent fund went to the erection of the building. 



GENERAL POST OFFICE. 

The General Post Office (open every day, except Sunday, 
from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) stands opposite the Patent Office, 
on F St., and covers the square between 7th and 8th sts. W. 
and E and F sts. N". It may be reached by the F-st. horse 
cars from the E. and YV\, and those on 7th' st. from the JN". 
and S. parts of the city. 

The Building occupied by the General Post Office is Cor- 
inthian. The E st. portion was commenced in 1839, and 
finished by Robert Mills, architect, and constructed of marble 
from New York quarries. In 1842 Congress purchased the 



152 



GENERAL POST OFFICE. 



N. half of the square to F St., and in 1855 the extension of the 
building over that space was executed bj' Captain M. C. 
Meigs, United States Engineers, superintendent, and Edward 
Clark, assistant, from designs by T. U. Walter, architect of 
the Capitol, and was built out of Maryland marble. As thus 
completed, the building measures 300 ft. N. and S., and 204 
ft. E. and W\, and has two stories, resting on a rustic base- 
ment, below which are vaults. In the centre is a court 194 
ft. long by 95 ft. wide. The facades are of white marble. 
The court is faced with granite. Above the basement rise 
the various features of the order, including monolithic col- 
umns and pilasters, with beautifully-worked capitals, the 
whole extending through two stories, upon which rest the 
architrave, frieze, and cornice, crowned by a paneled acro- 
teria. The main front is on E st. The S. or main entrance 
is in the basement, reached by marble steps, and is formed 
of two Doric columns, one on either side, and opens into a 
vestibule, on the r. and 1. of which are corridors, leading to 
marble staircases to the upper stories. Over this entrance 
are four attached columns of the Corinthian order. The E. 
front is broken by a central projection of six columns, the 
outer ones being coupled: and on either side, towards the 
extremities of this front, is a smaller projection of four at- 
tached columns, couplet!. Beneath the central projection is 




a vestibule, supported on four Doric columns and four corner 
piers. The ceiling, walls, and floor are finished in white 
marble, and on either side is a niche. The TV. front is the 
same as the E. A carriageway here opens into the court, 
where the mails are received and despatched. Th keystone 



GENERAL POST OFFICE. 153 

of the arch of this entrance is intended to represent Fidelity. 
On either side are figures in basso relievo, symbolizing - Steam 
and Electricity. 

The N". front presents a recessed portico, consisting of 8 
coupled columns resting on an arcade of rustic piers corres- 
ponding with the basement. There are entrances to the 
general office on the r. and 1. of the central arcade, and from 
which passages or steps lead to the corridors on the same floor 
or above. The corridors are on three sides only. The build- 
ing cost $1,700,000. 

The Postmaster General's office is on the floor above the 
basement, S. side of S. corridor. Here may be seen a set of 
photographs of the Postmasters General. The Dead Letter 
office is on the 1ST. side, entered from the N". end of the E. 
corridor through a passage or anteroom. To gain admission 
it will be necessary to procure a permit from the chief clerk 
of the Finance office, on the same floor and in the SW. angle. 
The building contains 81 rooms. The stairways are in the 
angles of the building. 

City Post Office.— The City Post Office occupies the cen- 
tral portions of the JST. front. The Letter Delivery and Stamp 
department is entered through the 3 arched doorways under 
the N. portico. The ceiling, which is of iron and brick, is 
supported on granite piers. The doors on the r. and 1., out- 
side, before entering, lead, in addition to the corridors and 
stairways, to the Chief Clerk's and Money Order and Regis- 
tered Letter offices respectively. (See General Information.) 

History. — Before the erection of the present edifice the 
General Post Office occupied a building which stood on the 
S. half of the square - known as Blodgett's Union Public 
Hotel. It was 120 ft.' long, 50 ft. wide, and 3 stories high; 
designed by James Hoban, and built of brick, ornamented 
with freestone. It was commenced in 1793. The structure, 
however, was never completed by its projector. The plan 
was to erect it out of the proceeds of a lottery. The owner 
of the prize ticket was an orphan child, who was without the 
means of carrying on the work. Tho theatre of the national 
metropolis held performances in it for a time. A number of 
Irish and other emigrants also occupied the basement free of 
rent. In 1810 it was purchased b}^ the Government. After 
the burning of the Capitol, Congress held one session in it as 
the onlv suitable building in the city. It was also occupied 
by the General and City Post Offices. Patent Office, and Li- 
brary of Congress. The latter was removed to the Capitol 
in 1818. The building and contents were entirely destroyed 



154 DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. 

by fire on Dec. is, 1836. Private buildings were subsequently occupied till 
the completion of the present structure. 

Postmasters General. — 1789, Samuel Osgood, Mass ; 1791, Timothy 
Pickering, Mass.; 1795, Joseph Habersham, Ga.; 1802, Gideon Granger, 
Conn.; 1814, R. J. Meigs, Ohio ; 1823, John McLean, Ohio;. 1829, W. T. 
Barry, Ky.; 1835, Amos Kendall, Ky.; 1840, J. M. Niles, Conn.; 1841, Fran- 
cis Granger, N. Y.; 1841, C. A. Wickliffe, Ky.; 1845, Cave Johnson, Tenn.; 
1849, Jacob Collamer, Vt.: 1850, N. K. Hall, N. Y.; 1852, S. D. Hubbard, 
Conn.; 1853, James Campbell, Penn.; 1857, -A. V. Brown, Tenn.; 1859, J. 
Holt Ky.; 1861, Horatio King, Me.; 1861, Montgomery Blair, Md.; 1864, 
W. Dennison, Ohio; 1866, A. W. Randall, Wis.; 1869, J. A. J. Cresswell, 
Md.; 1874, Marshall Jewell, Conn. 

The General Post Office. — On Sept. 22, 1789, Congress passed an act 
for the temporary establishment of the Post Office, with the same power as 
under the Confederation. In 1792 a "General Post Office '' was permanently 
established, under immediate direction of a Postmaster General, who was 
authorized to provide for carrying the mail of the United States "by stage- 
carriages or horses " From this primitive beginning the operations of the 
General Post Office have expanded to a degree fully up to the requirements 
of the increased population and intelligence of the people. 

The Postmaster General, appointed by and responsible to the President, is 
esc-ojficio a member of the Cabinet. Previous to 1829 he was not so recognized. 
The precedent was established by President Jackson, who invited Postmaster 
General Barry to a seat in the Cabinet. 



DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. 

The Department of Justice [open every day, except Sun- 
day, from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) occupies the upper floors of a 
fine building on Pennsylvania av., between 15 and 15? 
sts., and opposite the Treasury Department, erected by 
the Freedmen's Savings and Trust Company. The entrance 
is at the W. end, S. front. 

Objects of Interest. — The Gallery of Paintings of the 
Attorneys General of the United States, is in the Attorney 
General's room, S. E. corner 2d floor, in the Assistant At- 
torney General's rooms, No. 9 and 15, and the Solicitor 
General's room, No. 11; all 3d floor. The portrait of Ed- 
mund Randolph, of Va., the first on the list, Is from an 
original. That of William Pinkney, of Md., is from Peale. 

Attorneys General. — 1789, Edmund Randolph, Va.; T794, William Brad- 
ford, Penn.; 1795, Charles Lee, Va.; iSoi, Levi Lincoln, Mass.; 1805, Robert 
Smith, Md.; 1805, John Breckenridge, Ky.; 1807, Caesar A. Rodney, Del.: 
1811, William Pinkney, Md.; 1814, Richard Rush, Penn.; 1S17, William Wirt, 
Va.; 1820, J. M. Berrien, Ga.; 1831, Roger B. Taney, Md.; 1833, B. F. 
Butler, 1ST. Y.; 1838, Felix Grundy, Tenn.: 1840, H. D.' Gilpin, Penn.; 1841, 
J. J. Crittenden, Ky.: 1841, H. S. Legar§, S. C.; 1843, John Nelson, Md.; 
1845, John Y. Mason, Va.; 1846, Nathan Clifford, Me.; 1848, Isaac Toucey, 
Conn.; 1849, Reverdy Johnson, Md.; 1850, J. J. Crittenden, Ky.: 1853, 
Caleb Cushing, Mass.; 1857, J er « S. Black, Penn.; i860, E. M. Stanton, 
Penn.; 1861, Edward Bates, Mo.; 1864 James Speed, Ky.; 1866, Henry 
Stanbery, Ohio ; 1868, W. M. Eyarts, N. Y. ; 1869, E. C. Hoar. Mass.; 
1870, A. T. Ackerman, Ga.; 1872,6. H. Williams, Orego'i ; 187^;, Edwards 
Pierpont, N. Y. 



I ) E PA RT J 1 E N T ( ) F J I ST 10 E. 



155 



History of the Department.— Tliis Executive Department, of which the 
Attorney General is the head, was created by act of Congress approved June 
22, 1870. All prosecutions on behalf of the Government are conducted by this 
department. The Attorney G< neral reports annually to Congrcss.the business 
of his department, and any other matters appeitaining thereto that he deems 
proper, including statistics of crime under the laws of the United States, and 
as far as practicable, under the laws of the several States. The Attorney 




DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. 

(Freed man's Bank Rented,) 
General is also required to give his advice and opinion upon all questions of 
taw, when asked for by the President of the United States, or when requested 
by the heads of the Executive Departments. He is appointed by the Presi- 
dent, and is ex officio a member of his Cabinet. 

Under the Attorney General are the officers of the District and Circuit 
Ci-urts of the United Slates, the Reform School, Metropolitan Police, and Jail 
of the District of Columbia, and the lav/ officers of the different departments. 



156 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 

The Department of Agriculture (open daily, except Sunday, 
from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) occupies that portion of the Mall lying 
E. of 14th st., and between the Washington Monument and 
the Smithsonian Institution. The building commands a view 
of the business quarter of the city, and in turn itself makes a 
fine appearance from 13th st. W., which it faces. 

Grounds. — The grounds in the immediate vicinity of thae 
building are beautifully laid out. On the N. front is a con- 
creted surface the entire length of the building, and 50 ft. 
wide, which makes a spacious carriageway to the main en- 
trance, and is also used by pedestrians. A terrace wall 
about 4 ft. high, ornamented with stone balusters and pedi- 
ments with plant vases, runs the length and parallel with 
the front of the building, and at a distance of about 100 yds. 
At each extremity of the wall is a small iron pavilion of 
suitable design. The terrace divides what are known as the 
Upper and Lower Gardens. The former is laid out in beds, 
with intervening walks, and is devoted to flowers, vases, and 
rustic statuary. The lower, and all the grounds lying in 
front of the building line, with the exception of the flower 
garden, have been laid out as an arboretum, with walks and 
drives, and a well-selected collection of the hardier trees and 
shrubs. The flower garden contains no shade trees, which 
affords an unbroken view of the building. The trees and 
plants in the arboretum are planted on strictly botanical 
rules, the order and tribe of plants being grouped. The 
effect, however, by careful arrangement of the blending 
types is peculiarly attractive, and has not the formal appear- 
ance of a scientific classification. 

The collection embraces 1,600 species of plants. In the 
rear of the department building and plant houses are the 
Experimental Grounds, covering about 10 a., those tying in 
the rear of the plant houses being set apart for experimental 
gardening, and those in the rear of the building, and occu- 
pying the SE. angle of the enclosure, for the experimental 
orchards and stables and yard. The object of these grounds 
is for testing varieties of small fruits, seeds, and for the prop- 
agation and culture of hardy plants. Along portion of the 
N". line of the grounds, commencing at the W., are artificial 
lakes, rivers, and swamps, for the cultivation of type varieties 
of water and marsh plants. The plans for the grading and 
laying out of the grounds were prepared and carried into 






' A ,, !,H 




158 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



execution in 1868, by William Saunders, of Penn., Superin- 
tendent of Gardens and Grounds. (Also see Plant Houses.) 
The Department Building', designed by Adolph Cluss, ar- 
chitect, and completed in 1868, is of the renaissance style, 170 
ft. long- by fil ft. deep, with a finished basement, three full 
stories and Mansard roof. It was erected by contract, under 
the snperintencence of the architect, is constructed of pressed 
brick, with brown-stone bases, belts, cornices, and trimmings, 
and cost, including apparatus for laboratoiy, $140,420. The 
front presents a centre building with main entrances, and is 
flanked by two wings. 




DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE — FIRST FLOOR. 

A. Main Entrance. — Doors, oak and ash woods Vestibule, 20 ft. square and 
l6 ft. high. Floors, encaustic tiles of chaste design. Walls, paneled in encaustic 
paint. Ctilings, in frescoe, representing an arbor of vine foliage held by American 
eagles, with outspread wings. Ornamentation in arabesque, mingled with four 
medallions, illustrating, in landscape, light and shade and human figures, the four 
seasons of the year, divisions of the day, and ages of man. 

B. Main Staircase leading to the second floor and Museum of Agriculture. 

C and D. Private Stairs to the second floor and passage to cloak rooms and closets. 
The vestibule (A) opens into a wide corridor, from which the various offices, zo ft. 
square, are entered. 

I. Ante Room, finished in bird's eye maple and black walnut, in panels, and 
represents a fine specimen of the application of wood to walls, known as "wood- 
hanging.' 1 

z. Commissioner of Agriculture, finished in panels of bird's eye maple, bor- 
dered by friezes in mahogany and blistered walnut, alternating with pansled 
pilasters in mahogany and satin wood, all parted by curley maple, and relieved by 
a tracing of gilt. 

3. Private Office of Commissioner. The friezes are of birch, borders of 
black walnut, and panels of mountain ash. 

4. Library. A tastefully finished apartment, supplied with mahogany cases. 
The collection of works, S,ooo vols., forms the most complete agricultural library in 
the United States, and comprises nearly all the standard works on agriculture and 
kindred sciences, reports of all the State boards of agriculture, and agricultural, horti- 
cukuial, and pomological societies, and the transactions of the leading agricultural 
and saietitific associations of England, France, Germany, and Italy. The object of 



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



159 



th* Library is for -eference and used in the extensive correspondence of the Depart- 
ment. Persons interested are permitted to consult works, but not to take them 
from the room. Among the most interesting works is a set, 14 vols., on botany, 
illustrating the flora of Central Europe, published in Vienna, and presented by the 
Emperor of Austria. There are also portraits of a number of personages, among 
the number Marshall P. Wilder, of Boston, the distinguished horticulturist. 

5 to 8. Clerks 1 Rooms, finished in encaustic oil paint, plain, with frescoed 
ceilings. 

9. Chemist and Microcopist Room, is supplied with cases containing a collec- 
tion of minerals having an agricultural value. The chemist makes analyses of soils, 
fertilizers, and agricultural productions. The results are recorded for future refer- 
ence. The microscopist examines and reports upon the diseases of plants. 

10. Balance Room, contains a variety of balances used in the chemical work. 

11. Laboratory, supplied with chemicals and other apparatus used in chemical 
experiments. A private stairway leads to the basement below, in which are fur- 
nances, ovens, and other necessary conveniences. The equipment of the Laboratory 
is very complete. 

12. File Room. 

ij and 14. Clerk's Room, finished in encaustic paint. 




DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, SECOND FLOOR. 

A. Stairs to the Botanical Museum, Taxidermists, and Modeler'' s Rooms. 

B. Stairs to clerk's rooms. 

15. Museum of Agriculture. — Opposite the main entrance below, a double 
flight of stairs of wrought and cast iron, lighted by a large stained-glass window, 
leads to the second floor, and into the Museum of Agriculture. On the first landing 
is a plank 12x6^ ft from the giant redwood tree of California. The Museum Hall 
occupies the main building, and is 102 ft. long, 52 ft. wide, and 27 ft. high. A covea 
stuccoed cornice extends around the hall, broken at regular intervals by brack- 
ets, in which are wrought busts of Indians. The cove is ornamented by flowers and 
fruits, with medallion shields bearing the arms of the United States, and the States 
of the Union in 1868 in their chronological order. The ceiling is divided into 15 
panels, embellished with rosettes. A soft color, harmonizing with the. ornamenta- 
tion of the hall, is employed generally on the walls. For the accommodation and 
security of the agricultrual collection, the hall has been supplied with dust-proof wal- 
nut cases of chaste design. 

The Museum (which will be explained by an attendant) shows the agricultural 
productions of the United States, and manufactures therefrom, also how the former 
are affected by climate, insects, birds, and animals— injurious and beneficial. It is 
divided into general, State, and economic. The general division illustrates the his- 
tory of agricultural products. The fruits and vegetables are modeled in plaster of 
Paris, and colored in oil, to represent nature. The State and economic divisions, 
when completed, will show in a single case the mineral and agricultural productions, 



160 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 

and economic substances manufactured therefrom, of each State. The principal ab- 
ject of the museum is utility, to i?iclr:de all the products of agriculture, and bearihg 
upon the increase of knowledge in that important branch of industry. 

In the centre of the hall is a table of California redwood 7x12 ft. finished in other 
native woods, and presented by gentlemen in California. The vase on the table is 
made of Coquina or Florida shell rock from St. Augustine, Florida, taken from the 
foundation of the residence of the early Spanish colonial governors. 

Cases North Range commencing on the W. The shelf numbers count from 
below. The injurious birds have a perch with a partly black end, and beneficial, white. 

1. Not yet erected. It is proposed, however, to place this case shortly. 

2. I, American ducks; 2, American small birds, arranged to show benefit or in- 
jury, with contents of stomachs in small boxes; 3, American hawks and owls. 

3. 1, animals — domestic and farm pests; 2, American game birds; 3, gulls and 
aquatic birds. 

4. Domestic poultry. 

5. 1, Fish — prepared skins ; 1 and 3, foreign game birds that can be or have been 
domesticated. 

6. A case has been prepared for this space, and will be erected at once. 

7. Foreign game birds. 

g. California products and miscellaneous specimens. 

9. Grains and cereals — native 

10. Grains and cereals — native. The middle and upper shelves arranged by 
States. 

11. 1 and 2, Temporary case of botanical specimens. 

12. I, Vegetable fibres — cotton. 

Cases South Range commencing on the E. 

12. Foreign woods, &c. 

13. 1 and 2, Foreign grains, collected at the Paris Exposition 1867; 3, miscella- 
neous. 

14. 1, Petroleum, tobacco; 2, sugar, syrups, &c, Indian foods; 3, farinaceous 
products, gums, resins, &c. 

15. I, Chinese paper; 2, American and foreign paper and paper-making mate- 
rials} 3, Japanese paper. 

16. Silk from egg to manufactured goods of highest quality. 

17. I, Animal fibres, angora wool; 2, vegetable fibres, ramie and aloes; 3, vege- 
table fibres, miscellaneous. 

18. 1, Vegetable fibres, cotton; 2, flax, flax cotton, asclepias; 3, New Zealand 
flax, agaue fibre and miscellaneous tropical fibres. In a case against the wall is a fine 
specimen of the cotton plant. 

19. The case designed for this space has not yet been erected. 

Centre of the Hall, commencing on the -west. 

20. I, Tropical fruits — southern apples; 2, apples, (models.) 

21. I, Vegetables, (models;) 2, apples and pears, (models.) 

22. I, Vegetable, apples, fish, (models;) 2, pears, (models.) 

23. 1, Vegetables and fruits, (models;) 2, miscellaneous fruits and vegetables, 
(models,) fungi; (models and natural.) 

The />lan of the museum was suggested and carried into operatiou by Townend 
Glover, entomologist of the Department. 

16. Statistician. — Here the monthly and annual reports and statistical informa- 
tion are compiled. 

17. Clerks of the Statistical Division. 

18. Ladies 1 Retiring Room, 
iq Clerks 

20. Cabinet of Entomology. — Tne room, 20 x 30 ft., is supplied with suitable 
walnut cases. The collection comprises the insects of -the United States injurious 
and beneficial to agriculture, arranged scientifically, for reference. In the open 
cases is a small collection of insects for exhibition, and specimens of insect injury 



DEPARTMENT OF AfSRTOULTTTRE. 



161 



and architecture, both ex- 
ceedingly interesting. 
The walls are hung with 
a'series of about 300 flutes, 
by Prof. Townend Glo- 
ver, illustrating the insects 
in the cabinet. 

21. Entomologist's 
Private Room. 

On the third floor, E. 
wing, reached from A, 
plan of the second floor, 
is the Botanical Museum. 
It is supplied with appro- 
priate cases, and contains 
200 natural orders and 
Z$,ooo species of plants, a 
space being devoted to 
each order. The speci- 
mens are arranged or. 
sheets and indexed. The 
first collection was trans- 
ferred from the Smithso- 
nian Institution, and 
comprised the specimens 
brought home by the 
Wilkes expedition. The 
specimens gathered by 
the various T7nited States 
exploring expeditions are 
all deposited here. The 
collection of plants of the 
United States is very com- 
plete. 

The room:> adjoining 
are occupied by the Tax- 
idermists on the W. and 
Modelers on the S. The 
former has the preparation 
of birds for the museum, 
and their care. The latter 
makes models of fruits for 
the museum. 

Over the third floor, W. 
wing, reached from B, 
plan of the second floor, 
the rooms are used for 
clerks. 

Basement reached 

from B, first floor — con- 
tains Seed Rooms, in west- 
ern portion, and rest Fold- 
ing, Laborers ', and Engi- 
neers' Rooms, and accom- 
modations for heating ap- 
paratus and fuel. The 
seed-packing department, 
where upwards of 60 per- 
sons are employed, is of 
great interest. 

11 




162 DEPARTMENT OF A(.UUCULTURE. 

Plant Houses -^-On the W. of the department building- are 
the plant houses, com me need in 1868. from designs by Wil- 
liam Saunders, Superintendent of Gardens and Grounds. 
The main structure is 320 ft. long and 30 ft. wide E. and W., 
with a wing 150 long projecting to the rear or S. of the centre 
of the main building. The centre pavilion is 60 ft. long, 32 
ft. wide, and 30 ft. high, and is devoted to palms and the 
larger tropical plants, such as bananas. The pavilions at 
the extremhy of the wings are. 30 ft. square, 26 ft. high, J rid 
are the orangery, and for other semi-tropical fruits. Th ^se 
terminal pavilions are joined to the centre by connect *ig 
ranges 100 ft. long, 25 ft. wide, and 17 ft. high, and are - c- 
cupied by the miscellaneous collection of plants of practi al 
use, such as medical plants and those furnishing textile fibr s, 
useful gums, sugars, and dyes. The S. projecting wing is 
the grapery, and contains a collection of foreign grapes. 1 ^e 
roots are planted in borders on the outside, and the stei s 
conducted into the grapery through apertures in the bri fc 
wall. The dark varieties are on the W. side, and the lig it 
on the E. There are 100 varieties in all. 

The plant houses are heated by means of hot water, circulated through 5,000 ft. 
o r •■.-':■. ; ,- 7", and supplied by two boilers. The boilers are arranged with a cut-ofF, 
; l . . . ■. . ..iay be operated separately or together. 

'i .;cse houses have foundation walls of red sandstone, with bluestone bases and 
caps. The doors and windows of the centre and wings are designed in moresque 
arches. Brackets uphold the cornice from which the cupola roof rises. The main 
entrance projects from the main building, and has three .arched openings The 
frame of the structure is of iron and wood substantially built, and cost $25,000. 
The roof is covered with American glass of double thickness, and curved expressly 
for the purpose. 

Commissioners of Agriculture. — 1862, Isaac Newton, Penn.; 1867, John W. Stokes 
Penn., (acting;) 1867, Horace Capron, 111.; 1871, Frederick Watts, Penn. 

Hist0ry._UnderactJuly4, 1836, Henry L. Ellsworth, Commissioner of Patents, 
gave attention to the distribution of rare grains, seeds, and plants, in the collection 
of which he was aided by the diplomatic" and consular officers of the UnitedStates 
in foreign countries. In' 1839 Si, 000 wcre appropriated for the purpose. This gave 
rise to the agricultural division of the Patent Office. 

In 1858 a Propagating Garden was established on that portion of the public grounds 
lying along the S.°side "of Missouri av., bet. 4^ and 6th sts. N., for the purpose of 
testing sorghum and Chinese sugar cane. In" 1868 these operations were removed 
t the present more extensive grounds. 

The Department of Agriculture was established by act of Congress dated May I5, 
1 Az, " to acquire and diffuse among t'he people of the United States useful infor- 
r.::tion on subjects connected with agriculture in the most general and comprehen- 
si' c sense of that word, and to procure, propagate, and distribute among the people 
new and valuable seeds and plants." The chief executive officer was to be known 
as the Commissioner of Agriculture, to be appointed by the President and confirmed 
by the Senate. The Department, before, occupying its present abode, had rooms in 
the basement of the Patent Office. 

There are now annually distributed about 1,200,000 packages of seeds, and 25,000 
bulbs, vines, cuttings, and plants. 

The publications cf the Department consist of an annual report of about 700 pages 
octavo, 227,000 to 275,000 printed for distribution, and- monthly reports of about 48 
pages octavo, on the condition of the crops. 28,000 printed. 



NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 



163 



NAVAL OBSEEVATOKY. 

The United States Naval Observatory is one of the leading 
astronomical establishments in the world. It is open every 
day, except Sunday, from 9 a. m. io '6 p>- m. The watchman 
will show visitors through the building. Night visits are very 
much restricted in cod sequence of the interference with the 
astronomical work. The street cars on Pennsylvania av. run 
within 10 min. walk. Alight at 24th st. W., south side. Vis- 
itors afoot may reach the Observatory by following- New 
York av. W. of the State, War, and Navy Department to E 
st. N., thence by the latter to 24th st. W. 

Grounds. — The Observatory occupies a commanding- site 
on the N. bank of the Potomac, 96 ft. above tide, and origin- 
ally known as Peters^ Hill, after its proprietor. The beauti- 
ful grounds comprise 19 a. within the walls, and constitute 
Reservation Xo. 4 on the original plat of the city. 




NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 

There are many interesting historical associations connected with the site. In 1755 
portion of Braddock's army camped here on the march from Alexandria to the fatal 
field on the Monongahela. On the Potomac bank is a rock upon which the troops 
were landed, and known as Braddock's rock. In 1791 it was proposed to erect a. fort 
and barracks on the N. portions of the reservation. It was a favorite project with 
Washington to establish a national university here. The grounds were named Uni- 
versity Square from this fact. In i8ij- , I4 part of the American army encamped on 
the hill, from which fact it was long known as Camp Hill, and advanced to Bladens- 
burg for the defense of the city against the English. . 

The Observatory, founded in 1842, is under the direction of 
the Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department. The reserva- 
tion in the centre of which it stands was selected for the pur- 
pose by President Tyler. 

Buildings, — The central building, completed in 1844, is 50 
ft. sq., consisting of a basement and 2 stories, with a crown- 
ing parapet and balustrade, and is surmounted by a dome. 



164 NAVAL OBSERVATORY, 

On the E. and W. arc wings, each 26| ft. long-, 21 ft. wide, 
and 18 ft. high. At the end of the former is the residence of 
the superintendent, and the latter, an observing-room, 40 ft. 
by 28} ft., built in 1869. The projection on the S. is 60 ft. 
long, and terminates in the great dome. Visitors are expect- 
ed to register their names in the book opposite the main 
entrance. 

Eooms and Instruments.— The numbers refer to the diagram 
of ground plan. 

I. Pier of Equatorial, brick, imbedded 17 ft in the earth, conical, is 12 ft. 
in diameter at the surface line, 7 ft. at top, 28 ft. high, and is capped with a pedestal 
of stone weighing 7% tons. Over the pier is a dome 23 ft. in diameter, rising 20 ft. 
above the roof, and provided with a slip. The dome revolves on six 24-lb. shot. 
This Equatorial, purchased in 1845, was made by Merz and Mahler, Munich, cost 
$6,000. Object-glass, 9.62 in., clear aperture; focal length, 14 ft. 4.5 in. Its work 
is chiefly upon the smaller planets, asteroids, and comets. 

II. Superintendent's Office. — Here is an electro-chronograph, in a marble case, 
invented by Prof. John L. Locke, 1848. It is connected by electric wires with the 
clocks in the Executive Departments, Weather Signal Office, and Western Union 
Telegraph Office. The current is continually passing, the pendulums of all the clocks 
beating together. In the adjacent hall is a superbly-carved black walnut switch-board, 
made by the Western Electric Manufacturing Company, Chicago, and purchased in 
1874. The frame takes no wires, and has 3,000 combinations. Through this the 
clocks, chronographs, and instruments are placed in communication with each other 
and with the telegraphic system of the world. The old switch-board is opposite. 

III. General Office. IV. Office of Naval Officer in Charge of 
Chronometers. V. Packing- Room. 

VI. Mural Circle and Transit, with clock and chronograph. Mural Cir- 
cle, made by Troughton & Simms, London, 1843 ; erected in 1844. Object-glass, 
4.10 in., clear aperture ; focal length, 5 ft. 3.8 in. ; diameter at graduation, 60.35 i n ■'■> 
is divided into every 5 min., and is supplied with reading microscopes. Its use is for 
observing declinations of stars. Transit, made by Ertel & Son, Munich, 1844 ; erect- 
ed the same year. Object-glass 5.33 in., clear aperture ; focal length, 7 ft. 0.4 in. 
Used for observing the right ascension of stars. These were the principal instru- 
ments used by Prof. Yarnell in making his Catalogue 0/10,658 Stars. 

VII. Chkonometer-Room, in which the chronometers of the navy, when not 
in actual use, are kept and rated. The average number here is 200. They are 
wound and compared with a standard, daily, and a record kept of their variation by 
the naval officer in charge. In the same room is a standard mean-time clock, with 
necessary apparatus, from which at meridian each day exact time is dispatched. The 
naval officer in charge, at 3 min. before noon, connects the clock through the foot 
of the pendulum with electric wires, and at mean noon taps the electric key, simul- 
taneously giving the instant of mean noon to the Western Union Telegraph Com- 
pany's offices, and thence all over the U. S. The ball over the Observatory is 
dropped at tne same moment. 

VIII. Library. — In 1844 this consisted of 200 vols, of astronomical works, do- 
nated by the Greenwich, Paris, Berlin, and Vienna Observatories. It now com- 
prises 6,000 vols., some very rare, dating in 1482, relating to astronomy, meteorolo- 
gy, and kindred sciences, and is the most complete of the kind on the western hemi- 
sphere. 

IX. Siderial Clock, made by Kessels, of Altona, Germany, is used as the 
standard clock of the Observatory. 

X. Transit Circle, made by Pistor & Martins, Berlin, was first mounted in 
the present Library in 1865. Object-glass, 8.52 in., clear aperture; focal length, 12 
ft. I in. ; outer diameter of its circles, 45.30 in., and at the graduation, 43.40 in. 
Both circles are divided to every 2 min., and are fitted with reading microscopes. 
The collimators, for adjusting the instrument, have a focal leng'h of 2 ft. n in. 
Use: observation of the positions of the sun, moon, and planets. In the same room 
is a chronograph, made by Alvan Clark & Sons, from designs by Prof. Wm. Hark- 
ncss. It records by electric wires the times at which observations are made. 



NAVAL OBSERVATORY. 



165 



XI. Prime Vertical Transit, made by Pistor & Martins, Berlin, was erect- 
ed in 1844. Object-glass, 4.86 in., clear aperture; focal length, 6 ft. 5 in. Is used 
cnly for declinations. 

XII. Machine Shop. XIII. Room of Officer in Charge of tiih Great 
Equatorial. XIV. Sleeping Apartment of Officer in Charge of the 
Great Equatorial. 



XV. Great Equatorial, 
mounted in 1873, made by Al- 
van Clark 8c Sons, Cambridge- 
port, Mass. Object-glass, 26 
in., clear aperture; focal 
length, 323-'^ ft-i cost $47,000. 
The rough lump of glass was 
cast by Chance & Co., Birm- 
ingham, England. The in- 
strument rests upon a double 
pier of masonry, imbedded 17 
ft. in the earth. The pier 
above the floor is of brick, 
arched, and has a cap consist- 
ing of a solid block of red sand- 
stone, 8 ft. long by 2 ft. wide 
and high. On top of this is an 
iron support weighing 1,100 
lbs., to receive the axis upon 
which the telescope is mount- 
ed. The instrument with it* 
base weighs 6 tons. The in- 




strument is equatorial!) 
mounted, the general plan 
being that devised by Fraun- 
hofer, modified by Messrs. 
Clark and Prof. S. Ncwcomb, 
and is run by a reaction watei 
wheel. It is fitted with mi- 
chrometers, spectroscopes, &c. 
The tube is of sheet steel, 
rolled in Pittsburgh. There 
is also a chronograph con- 
nected with the instrument. 
The great equatorial is plac- 
ed in an iron dome 41 ft. in 
diameter and 40 ft. in height, 
erected at a cost of $14,000 
The superstructure rests on 
a stone foundation. The roof 
is supplied with a slip, re- 
volves on conical wheels, 
and is easily moved horizont- 
ally in either direction by 



NAVAL OBSERVATORY, GROUND PLAN. 

means of suitable gearing. The instrument is the largest refractor in the world. 
The next in size is in the private observatory of R. S. Newall, Gateshead, England, 
and has 25 in. of clear aperture. 
XVI. Residence of the Superintendent. 

The rooms on the second floor of the main jbuiicUng are used 
by officers in charge of the various instruments and then- 
assistants. The view from the platform around the dome is 
very fine. To the top of the staff over the dome a black can- 
vass ball^ 2] ft. in diameter, is hoisted daily a few minutes 
before noon, and by means of a steel spring-, governed by a 
magnet and operated from the chronometer-room, is dropped 
on the instant of mean noon. 



16G ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. 

Superintendents of the Depot of Charts and Instruments. — 1830, Lieut. L. 
Goldsborough ; 1833, Lieut. Charles Wilkes ; 1836, Lieut. Hitchcock ; 1838, Li 
J. M. Gilliss. Of the Naval Observatory. — 1844, Commander M. F. Maury; I , 
Capt. J. M. Gilliss; 186^, Rear Admiral C. H. Davis; 1867, Rear Admiral ' f. 
Sands; 1874, Rear Admiral C. H. Davis 

History. — The first action of Congress towards the establishment of an ob' va- 
tory was in 1821, in the passage of a joint resolution to ascertain the longitude the 
Capitol from Greenwich, first proposed by VVm. Lambert, of Va., in 1810. I 1830 
a bureau, for the care of the instruments and charts of <.he navy, was creat . A 
small 30-in. transit was erected at the same time. A series of observations w< car- 
ried on in connection with the Wilkes Exploring Expedition, i838-'42. In £42 a 
'■'■permanent depot'''' was established. In 1850 the meridian of the Obserz try at 
Washington was adopted as the American meridian for astronomical and hat of 
Greenwich for all nautical purposes. Long, of Observatory, 77 3' 5''.? IV. of 
Greenwich ; lat., 3 8° 53' 3 8". 8 N. 



ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. 

The Army Medical Museum {open every day, except So day, 
from 9 a. on. to 3 p. on.) stands on the E. side of 10th s . W., 
about midway between E and F sts. N. It is a plain brick 
structure, painted dark brown, 3 stories high, 71 ft. front, and 
109 ft. deep. The building' was originally a church, aud then 
a theatre, known as Ford's Theatre, and was the scene of the 
tragedy of April 14, I860 — the assassination of President 
Lincoln. The building was immediate]}' closed by the Gov- 
ernment, and in April, I860, Congress purchased it for $100,- 
000, for the purpose to which it is now applied. The interior 
was taiven out, remodeled, and madt lire-proof, under direc- 
tion of Surgeon General Barnes. There is now no trace of 
the exact scene of the assassination. Its location was on the 
r., about the centre of what is now. the second floor. The as- 
sassin took his last drink in the restaurant, which occupied 
the first floor of the S. wing, now the Chemical Laboratory. 
The President was conveyed to the house INTo. 510, opposite, 
and died in the back room of the first floor. 

On the jST. side, in the rear of the building, is a small wing, 
occupied by the Museum workshops, and in front, on the S. 
side, is another wing, used by the Chemical Laboratory and 
the officers on duty.' The main entrance is in the S. portion 
of the front, and the Museum is in the third story, at the top 
of the stairway. The first floor is occupied by the record 
and pension division of the Surgeon General's Office, contain- 
ing the papers belonging to the military hospitals and monthly 
sick reports of the army during the rebellion, 18G1-65, and 
are still received from the various posts of the regular army. 
The hospital records number over 16,000 vols. The payment 
of pensions is based upon information received from these rec- 
ords. The alphabetical registers contain about 300,000 names 



ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM. 167 

of the dead of the army. The Chemical Laboratory in the S. 
wing is charged with the examination of alleged adulterations 
of medicines and hospital supplies, and other investigations 
of a similar nature which come before the Surgeon General. 
The second floor contains the surgical records. In the S. wing, 
on this floor, are the offices of the Surgeon General and sur- 
geon in charge. Here are portraits of Surgeon General Love], 
John Hunter, (a copy from Sir Joshua Reynolds,) philosophi- 
cal writer on surgery, Dr. Morton, author of Crania Ameri- 
cana, and Dr. Physic, an original by Rembrandt Peale. 

Museum. — The Museum on the third floor is well lighted 
in front and rear and by a large central skylight, which also 
lights the floors below through oblong openings. The attend- 
ant in the room will answer questions and point out objects 
of special interest. 

The specimens, arranged in cases and otherwise, number 
l(j,000, and are divided into six sections, viz: I. Surgical 
Section, embracing specimens of the effects of missiles of 
every variety on all parts of the bodj T , extremely interest- 
ing ; the stages of repair ; morbid conditions, calculi, tumors, 
&c. ; plaster casts representing mutilations resulting from 
injuries and surgical operations; examples of missiles ex- 
tracted from wounds ; preparations exhibiting the effects of 
injuries peculiar to Indian hostilities. In this section are 
the bones of the amputated portions of the legs of eight 
generals, and a portion of the vertebras of the neck of Booth, 
the assassin. II. Medical Section, consisting of specimens 
illustrating the morbid conditions of the internal organs in 
fever, chronic dysentery, and other camp diseases ; the mor- 
bid anatomy of the diseases of civil life; and pathological 
pieces relating to the diseases of women and children, mal- 
formations, and monstrosities. III. Microscopical Section, 
including thin sections of diseased tissues or organs, suitably 
mounted for microscopical study, and a variety of prepara- 
tions exhibiting the minute anatomy of normal structures. 
An interesting branch of this section is the success attained 
in photo-micography, the process by which the most delicate 
microscopical preparations can be photographed to a inagni- 
fying power of 4,500 diameters. IV. Anatomical Section , 
embracing skeletons, separated crania, and other prepara- 
tions of the anatomy of the human frame. The collection of 
human crania, with a view to ethnological study, and espe- 
cially relating to the aboriginal race of the United States, is 
very complete, numbering about .1,000 specimens. V. Section 
of Comparative Anatomy, embracing over 1,000 specimens of 
skeletons of buffalo, deer, bear, and other American mammals, 



168 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

with birds, reptiles, and fishes. VI. Miscellaneous Section, 
including- models of hospitals, barracks, ambulances, and 
medicine wagons, a collection of surgical instruments, arti- 
ficial limbs, and other articles of interest. The object of the 
Museum is not to gratify public curiosity, but was founded 
and is carried on in the interests of science. It is the finest 
collection of the kind in the world, and is resorted to by sur- 
gical and medical students and writers from all parts of the 
United States and abroad. The original design of the Museum 
W'as the collection of specimens illustrative of military surgery 
and camp diseases for the education of medical men for mili- 
tary service. The Medical and Surgical History of the War 
was compiled from the records of the museum. 



■GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

The Government Printing Office and Bindery (open every 
day, except Sunday, from 8 a. m. to 5. p. m.) occupies an 
L-shaped brick building, on the SW. corner of.II and North 
Capitol sts. The Office may be reached by the Columbia 
Horse Railway. Visitors should alight and enter by the door 
nearest N. Capitol st. There is also~a public entrance on the 
latter st. It will be "necessary for strangers to state to the 
watchman at either door that they desire to visit the build- 
ing. The building measures 300 ft. on H St., and 175 ft. on 
N. Capitol St., and is GO ft. deep and four stories high. The 
building, without the addition of an extension of 60 ft. on the 
W. end, and an L of 113 ft. on the E. end, made in 1871, was 
purchased in 1860 by the Superintendent of Public Printing, 
an office then created under authority of an act of Congress. 
It had previously belonged to Cornelius Wendell, and was 
then used as a printing office, under the contract system. 
The object of the purchase was the execution of the printing 
and binding authorized by the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives, the Executive and Judicial Departments, and the 
Court of Claims. Connected with the main building are a 
paper warehouse;, machine shops, boiler and coal houses, 
wagon shed and stable. 

On the first floor are the press, wetting, drying, and engine 
rooms. The presses include a variety "of patterns, and are 
adapted to every species of work. There are 52 in all, from 
the immense Bullock press to the small Gordon. On the 
second floor are the composing-room, with 300 stands, the 



GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 169 

proof-reading rooms, the electro and stereotype foundery, and 
the offices of the Congressional Printer. On the third floor 
is the bindery, including embossing, numbering, paging, rul- 
ing, stamping, stitching, marbling, and all other branches. 
The process of marbling is particularly interesting. On the 
fourth floor are the stitching and folding rooms and the Con- 
gressional Record office, with a capacity of working 100 men. 
The Record, containing the proceedings and debates of Con- 
gress, now printed at the Public Printing Office, is issued 
every day at 6 A. M. during the session of Congress. All 
bills and reports, without regard to length, are delivered in 
print to Congress the day following their presentation. 

The Public Printing Office is the largest establishment of 
the kind in the world. The capacity for work is practically 
without limit. Upwards of 120,000 pages of documentary 
composition and 1,000,000 volumes of that class of Avork have 
been turned out in a single year. The finest works printed 
here are the Medical and Surgical History of the War ; the 
reports of the Paris Exposition ; Astronomical Observations 
of the Naval Observatory ; the Census of 1870 ; the Case of 
the United States before the Tribunal of Arbitration at Gen- 
eva, in English, French, and Portuguese ; professional papers 
of the Bureau of Engineers, War Department; the Darien 
and Tehuantepec Ship-canal Expeditions; Hayden's Final 
Surveys ; Clarence King's Surveys of the 40th Parallel ; the 
Coast Survey Reports ; and general Catalogues of the Libra- 
ries of the United States and the Surgeon General's Office. 

Public Printers. — Superintendents, 1853, J. T. Towers, 
D. C. ; 1854, A. G. Seaman, Penn. ; 1858, G. W. Bowman, 
Penn. ; 18G0, John Heart, Perm.; 1861, J. D. Defrees, Ind. ; 
1866, C. Wendell, N". Y. Congressional Printers— 1867, J. 
D. Defrees, Ind. ; 1869, A. M. Clapp, X. Y. 

The office is divided into the Composing Department, H. 
T. Brian, Foreman of Printing; Electro and Stereotyping, 
A. Elliott, jr., Maurice Joyce ; Bindery, J. H. Roberts. 

In 1852 the old contract system of public printing was 
abolished, and the office of Superintendent of Public Print- 
ing for each House of Congress was created. The work, 
though still executed by contract, Avas then done under the 
direction of those officers. In 1860 Congress took the public 
printing in their own hands, and in 1S67 the office of Super- 
intendent of Public Printing was abolished, and instead the 
Senate of the United States was authorized to elect some 
competent person, a practical printer, to take charge of the 
Government Printing: Office. 



170 winder's building. 



WLNDEK'S BUILDING. 

This structure {open every day, except Sunday, from, 9 a. 
m. toSp. m.) is situated on the NW. corner of F and 17th sts.. 
opposite the Navy Department. It was originally erected 
for a hotel, and was purchased by the Government for the 
accommodation of public offices. The first floor is occupied 
principally by the Chief Engineer of the Army. The last 
room, No. 2, on the corridor leading- to the r. after entering 
is the Battle Record Room, in which the reports of the battles 
of the late war are filed and indexed.. On the r. of the S. 
corridor, No. 13, is a file room for the papers belonging to the 
Adjutant General's Office. The second floor, E. front, is 
devoted to the Judge Advocate General of the Army, and the 
S. to the Ordnance Office. The floors above are assigned to 
the Second Auditor of the Treasury Department. 

Ordnance Museum. — {Open every day, except Sunday, from 
9 a. m. to 3 p. m.) — This interesting military collection is on 
the second floor, and may be reached by ascending the steps 
opposite the main door, and keeping the corridors to the r., 
passing through the door marked " Ordnance Office " to door 
No. 49 on the r. at the farther end of the corridor; crossing 
this room and the connecting hall we enter the Museum, 
which occupies a detached building. The collection occupies 
two fine halls. The most conspicuous object on entering are 
the captured Confederate flags. They are all more or less 
associated with the battles of the late civil strife. The other 
objects of interest are United States Army infantry and cav- 
alry uniforms and accoutrements complete ; section of an 
oak, which stood inside the Confederate entrenchments near 
Spottsylvania C. H., and was cut down by musket balls in 
the attempt to recapture the works carried by 2d Corps A. 
P., May 12, 1864; Jefferson Davis' rifle, a French piece, 
taken at the time of his capture in 1865; artillery, cavalry t 
and infantry accoutrements used in the U. S. Army from the 
earliest date ; cheveaux-de-frise from front of Petersburg, 
Va. ; models and drawings of arsenals; fuses for exploding 
shells and cannon ; shells picked up on the battle-fields ; cart- 
ridge bags for field, siege, and sea-coast artillery, the largest 
containing 100 lbs. ; projectiles of various sizes, both spherical 
and rifled, the largest being 20 in. in diameter, and weighing 
1,000 lbs. ; portable cavalry forge and tools complete ; Gat- 
ling guns of various sizes, including the '-' Camel" gun 
mounted on tripod, and of which large numbers are in use 
in Egypt ; a Billinghurst and Eequia battery ; a Union or 



CITY HALL. 



171 



" coffee-inill " gun ; a steel Whitworth gun, one of a battery 
from loyal Americans in Europe to the United States in 1861 ; 
the carriage of a 4 lb. cannon, formerly the property of the 
elty of Vieksburg, fifed at a passing steamer several days 
before any guns were fired at United States forts or troops 
at Charleston or Pensacola — the gun is at West Point ; breech 
loaders captured at Richmond ; confederate projectiles ; 
models complete, showing mountings of guns in casemate 
and barbette, also mortal's; a gun' mounted on a saddle; 
models of field and siege artillery, caissons, forges, and bat- 
tery wagons used in the U. S. Army; life-size models of 
horse artillery equipments, ordnance rockets, and fireworks. 
On the second floor is the Museum of small arms, in which 
can be traced their history from the beginning, and practically 
illustrating the stages of advancement, embracing breech and 
muzzle-loaders, muskets, rifles, and carbines, armor 1610, 
cuirass, and helmet, and other relics from the battle-field of 
Sedan, 1870, foreign arms and cavalry equipments, Indian 
war clubs, and ancient weapons and wall pieces* Japanese 
two-handed sword, worn by Kendo, a provincial officer, visit- 
ing the U. S. in 1871, presented by Arinori Mori, Charge 
d' Affairs, and captured Confederate arms. 




DISTRICT COtJBT-HOUSE, (FORMERL'X CITY IHLL.) 

DISTKICT COURT HOUSE. 



The City Half, until 1871, occupied jointly. by the munici- 
pal government of Washington and the United States Courts 



172 ARSENAL. 

for the District of Columbia, in 1873, by purchase, became the 
sole property of the United States, and is now entirely devoted 
to judicial purposes. The structure stands on the S. line of 
Judiciary Square, fronting 4J st. W., and at the intersection 
of Louisiana and Indiana avs. In the open space in front is 
a marble column surmounted by a statue of Lincoln by Lot 
Flannery, a self-taught sculptor. It was erected out of the 
contributions of a number of patriotic citizens. The building- 
was commenced in 1820, from plans by George Hadfielcl, the 
architect of the Capitol. The E. wing was finished in 182G. 
and the AY. in 1849. It is two stories, 47 ft. high, and con- 
sists of a recessed centre 150 ft. long, with two projecting 
wings, each 50 ft. front and 166 ft. deep. The entire frontage 
is 250 ft. The structure is built of freestone painted white. 
In the centre of the main building, and in each wing, are re-r 
cessed porticos, formed of Doric columns. Between the wings 
is a paved space. 



ARSENAL 



The arsenal (open from sunrise to sunset) occupies a tract of 
45 a. at the extreme S. point of the city. It is accessible by 
the 9th-st. line of the Metropolitan horse railway, the terminus 
of which is near the gate, at the foot of 4J st. W. The tract 
originally comprised 28 J a., and included the point of land at 
the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, extend- 
ing from the former stream to the mouth of James Creek, 
and N. to T st. S. In 1857 it was extended, by the purchase 
of the adjoining land on the N., (16 a.,) between the Potomac 
and the James Creek Canal, to P st. S. 

The grounds are laid out in walks and drives, and entered 
through a gateway consisting of iron gates swung on 32 and 
24-pdr. cannon. The guard room is on the 1., and on the 
r. is a 15-in. Rodman gun, and below a pendulum house, in 
which is a pendulum balance for testing the force of gun- 
powder. The Chief of Ordnance resides at the end of the 
main drive, in the large building on the 1., and opposite are 
officers' quarters. The old quarters and shops are at the S. 
extremity of the grounds, about -§ m. 

The body of Booth, the assassin of President Lincoln, was landed at the 
small wharf at theS. W. end of the peninsula. It was, with the bodies of the 
other conspirators, buried in one of the lower cells of the United States Pent- 
tentiary, erectea on the north end of the arsenal grounds, 1826-29. 1° ^65 the 
body of IVirz, the Anderson rebel prison-keeper, executed at the old Capitol 
1865, was also buried here. When the Penitentiary was torn down, 1869, 
these bodies were removed, Wirz to Mt. Olivet Cemetery, D. C, and Booth 
Co Baltimore. The grounds afford a delightful stroll or drive, with the broad 
Potomac on the W. and the James Creek Canal on the E. 



ARSENAL. 



173 



In the arsenal buildings arc military stores of various kinds. There are 
also officers' quarters, barracks, hospitals bakeries, stables, and machine, 
carpenter, blacksmith, and painters' shops, lumber storehouses, and two maga- 
zines for fixed ammunitionand small arm cartridges. The principal maga- 
zines are on the Anacostia. A detachment and three officers of the ordnance 
corps are on duty. 

Objects of Inter- 
est. — In front of the old 
quarters are a number of 
captured en nnon and 
mortars, among which 
are two Blakely guns, 
nne inscribed, " Pre- 
sent'-d io the sovereign 
State of South Carolina, 
by one of her citizens re- 
siding abroad, in com- 
mem iratio'n of the 20 
of December, 1S60 ;" a 
brass gun with a ball in 
the muzzle, shot there in 
the battle of Gettysburg; 
guns surrendered by the 
British by the Conven- 
tion of Saratoga, Oct. 
17, 1777; French guns 
taken at the battle of 
Niagara, July J>5, 1814 ; 
a 64 pounder, captured 
at Vera Cruz, March 29, 
1847 >' an ^ guns cap- 
tured from Cornvvallis 
at Yorktown Oct. 19, 
t 78 1 : also a number of 
small guns and mortars, 
some of date 1756. 

History.— In 1803 a 
-nilitary station was es- 
tablished on the Arsenal 
grounds. In 1807 shops 
were erected. In 1812 
powder was stored here. 
In 1813 it became a reg- 
ular depot of supplies. 
In 18 [4 it was destroyed 
by the British. A num- 
ber of the latter were 
killed by the explosion of 
powder secreted in a well 
near the quarter*--. In 
1815 it was rebuilt under 
Col, George Bomford. 
In 1816 buildings were 
erected by the Ordnance Department. During the rebellion, i86i-'6s, it was the 
depot of ordnance supplies for the Army of the Potomac. Large quantities of 
ammunition and gun carriages were made here. In 1864 twenty-one girls 
were killed in an explosion of one of the laboratories. Since the war the 
grounds have been beautified. 




174 NAVY -YARD. 



NAVY-YARD. 



The Navy- Yard {open every clay, except Sunday, from 7 a. 
m. to sunset,) is situated on the Anacostia, § in. SE. of the 
Capitol, 8th St.. E. terminating at the entrance. It may be 
reached from the W. portions of the city in the red cars of 
the Pennsylvania ay. st. railway. The officer of the marine 
guard at the gate will pass visitors. The present grounds 
comprise about 27 a., and are entered by a stone gatewaj 7- , in 
Doric style, over which are small cannon-and-ball embellish- 
ments, and in the centre a well-executed eagle, resting on an 
anchor. Inside, on the r., is the guard-room, and opposite 
the officers' room. An avenue runs S. from the entrance to 
the building occupied by the Commandant's and other offices 
of the yard. The Executive officer's room is on the second 
floor, and from whom a permit may be obtained, which will 
admit the bearer to any part of the yard, in the workshops, 
and on board any monitors in the stream. 

Immediately within the entrance, on either side of the 
avenue, are two large guns, captured in 1804, by Commodore 
Decatur from two Tripolitan gunboats. The buildings on 
the 1. and r. are the officers' quarters : those of the Com- 
mandant being on the 1. On the 1. of the main avenue are 
the storehouses, copper-works, &c. ; and on the r. the foundry, 
machine, and other shops. S. of the Commandant's building- 
are a number of cannon and projectiles : among the former 
two of 1688 and 17G7 date, captured at Norfolk, Va., 1862; 
several Austrian and French guns, and two Austrian howit- 
zers, rifled, captured on the steamer Columbia in 1862. 

On the river bank are two ship-houses E. and W. Near 
the E. is the boat-house, from which a boat may be taken to 
the monitors, if any, in the stream. More to the W. lies the 
receiving-ship, the W. ship-house, and a water battery. The 
large building crowning the hill on the opposite side of the 
river is the National Asylum for the Insane. The view down 
the river is very flue. In the W. part of the yard is the Ord- 
nance-shop and Laboratory. The avenue leading back to- 
wards the main entrance passes near the Museum, {open from 
9 a. m. to 4 p. m.) On either side of the door are a number of 
projectiles of the largest size. Among these a 20-in. shot, 
weighing 1,048 lbs. The gun is on the Rip-raps, Hampton 
Roads. Here may be seen a number of relics and other ob- 
jects of interest : among which, on the first floor, are a Span- 
ish gun, cast about 14CH3, brought to America by Cortez, and 
used in the conquest of Mexico ; a Spanish gun captured by 
Commodore Stockton in California in 1847; an old-style re- 



NAVY -YARD. 



175 




NAVY-YARD. 



peater ; a small mortar, captured from Lord Oornwallis ; a 
section of the sternpost of the Kearsarge, showing a shell, 
which did not explode, fired into it by the Alabama ; confed- 
erate torpedoes, taken out of southern harbors; submarine 
rockets; models of projectiles, and a very interesting- col- 
lection of those which had been fired. On the second floor 
are principally small arms ; models of cannon ; a model of the 
ordnance dock, Brooklyn ; brass swivels, one very old, said 
to have belonged to Cortez ; a telescope rifle ; two blunder- 
busses, and cases of rifles and pistols. The walls and ceil- 
ings are artistically decorated with pikes, cutlasses, sabres, 
and pistols . 

History.— On Oct. 30, 1799, the selection of a site for the 
Navy-Yard was brought to the attention of the commission- 
ers, and led to considerable correspondence with Naval Agent 
William Marbury. The ground best suited for that purpose 
lay on the Anacostia, a short distance above its confluence 
with the Potomac, on land owned by Messrs. Carroll and 
Prout. On Dec. 3, 1799, the Secretary of the Navy gave 
orders to lay the ground out. The yard, however, was not 
formally established till the passage of the act of March, 1804. 
In those early days it was unrivalled. Such famous vessels 
as the Wasp, Argus, the brig Viper, the Essex, the schoon- 
ers Shark and Grampus, the sloop of war St. Louis, 24 guns, 
and frigates Columbia, Potomac, and Brandywine, 44 guns 
each, were built here. In 1837 it was proposed to establish a 



ll(\ MARINE BARRACKS. 

naval school at the yard. Of late years the yard has lost its 
prominence for naval construction, owing to the greater fa- 
cilities presented by more recently-established stations, and 
the lilling up of the channel . In 1816 a ship of the line could 
anchor here. The yard is now one of the most important for 
the manufacture of naval supplies. 



MARINE BARRACKS. 

A short distance N. of the Navy- Yard gate, on the E. side 
of 8th st. E., between G and I sts. S., are the Marine Barracks. 
The Pennsylvania av. cars (red) for the Navy-Yard pass the 
iron gate, which is the general entrance. Visitors are admit- 
ted from 9 a. m. till sundown, but can be passed before that 
time by the officer of the day. The barracks have a frontage 
of 700 feet. The centre building, used for officers' quarters, 
is two stories high, and the wings are one story, with accom- 
modations for 200 men. The offices of the general staff are 
opposite, on 9th st. E. On the 1ST. of the square a e the quar- 
ters of the Brigadier General and Commandant of the Marine 
Corps', and opposite, on the S., is the armory and liospital. 
In the former are some interesting Marine Corps Hags. One 
bears the inscription "From Tripoli to the Halls of the Mon- 
tezumas" bv land and sea; also, a Corean flag captured in 
battle. 

The most interesting occasion for a visit would be at the 
time of general inspection on any Monday, weather permit- 
ting, at 10 a. m., when the Marines and their excellent band 
may be seen in full parade. Every day at 8 a.m. in summer 
and 9 a. m. in winter, there is guard mount, the band per- 
forming. The barracks were burnt by the British in 1814, 
but were immediately rebuilt. Recruits are sent here for in- 
struction before being detailed for service on the vessels of the 
Navy. 

The Marine Corps was organized in 1798 as an adjunct to 
the naval establishment, then placed under an independent 
administration. The corps has participated, with glory to 
its officers and men, in all the brilliant achievements which 
have characterized the operations of the Navy of the United 
States whenever called upon to vindicate the honor of the na- 
tion. On land the corps has borne itself nobly; and against 
greatly superior numbers and overcoming grave obstacles, 
has invariably returned with fresh laurels. In the Tripolitan 
and Mexican wars, in their participation in the attack on Fort 



MAGAZINES. 177 

Fisher, in their desperate conflict on the coast of Corea against 
overwhelming' numbers of the barbarous enemy, and in re- 
peated retaliatory landings on the shores of Asiatic countries 
and islands of the Pacific, (heir discipline and bravery have 
won for them a bright page in the nation's history. The 
headquarters of the corps arc appropriately at the National 
Capital, being established at the Marine Barracks. The com- 
mandant or superior officer holds the rank of brigadier gen- 
eral ; there are also 1 colonel, 2 lieutenant colonels. 4 majors, 
20 captains, and an increased number of lieutenants. The 
numerical strength of the corps by law is 2,500 men. 



MAGAZINES. 



The Army and Navy Magazines, to which there is no ad- 
mittance, occupy about 6 a. in the S. part of reservation No. 
L3, or Hospital Square, situated in the extreme E. part of the 
city on the Anacostia. They consist of four brick buildings, 
the two for the Army on the N., and those for the Navy on 
the S., with a capacity of 2,000 bbls. each. The grounds are 
tastefully laid out. A sergeant and private and a small detach- 
ment of marines are on duty. The wharf at the foot of the 
grounds is used exclusively for the discharge or shipment of 
powder. In 1873 the Bellville farm, of 90 a., on Oxen creek, 
with a frontage on the Potomac nearly opposite Alexandria, 
was purchased for the Naval Magazine, which will be remov- 
ed from its present location. 

The large quantities of powder usually stored in these 
magazines occasions great uneasiness to the inhabitants of 
the adjacent parts of the city. Frequent measures have been 
taken to have the magazines removed. That of the Navy will 
be transferred to its new site as soon as the buildings are 
ready for use. The Army magazines will doubtless speedily 
follow. 



12 



SECTION I Y . 

PLACES OF GENERAL INTEREST, 




SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

I HE Smithsonian Institution (open daily, except 

Sunday, from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m.) occupies a fine 

site S. of Pennsylvania av., and may be conveniently 

reached by 10th st. W.. the centre of the N. front 

of the building facing that street . 

^ Grounds. — The whole area of what are now desig- 

nated the Smithsonian Grounds — that is, from 7th to 12th st. 
and between B.sts. N. and S., covers 52 J acres. The Smith- 
sonian grounds proper, and which were set apart for the In- 
stitution in 1846, consist of 20 a., situated in the SW. corner 
of the larger reservation . At first the charge of the Smith- 
sonian grounds proper was under the Institution. About 15 
years ago, however, Congress resumed their supervision. 
They were then thrown into the extensive and beautiful res- 
ervation which now surrounds the Institution building. 

The grounds were designed and partially laid out bj r the 
distinguished horticulturist and landscape gardener, Andrew 
Jackson Downing, whose death occurred while in the prose- 
cution of his plans. They are arranged with lawns, groves, 
drives, and footways, and are planted with 150 species of 
trees and shrubs, chiefly American. In the E. portion of the 
grounds, N. of the E. wing of the building, is a vase of ex- 
quisite beauty, designed by Calvert Vaux, of Newburg, N. 
Y., executed by Bobert Launitz, sculptor, of New York, 
and erected by the American Pomological Society to the 
memory of Downing. The funds were supplied by friends of 
the deceased. The principal design of the monument con- 
sists of a large vase of antique pattern, worked in Italian 
marble, and resting on a pedestal of the same material. The 
vase is 4 ft. high and 3 ft. in diameter at the upper rim. The 
body is ornamented with arabesque. Acanthus leaves sur- 
round the lower part. The handles rest on the heads of satyrs. 
gods of groves and woods, and the pedestal on a carved base 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 



179 



surrounded with a cornice. On each side is a deep panel, 
relieved by carved mouldings. In each is an appropriate in- 
scription/ That facing the' 1ST. reads, "This vase was erected 
by his friends in memory of Andrew Jackson Downing, who 
died July 28, 1852, aged thirty-seven years. He was born 
and lived and died on the Hudson river." On the base of 
the pedestal are the words, "This memorial was erected 
under a resolution passed at. Philadelphia, in September, 
1852, by the American Pomological Societj% of which Mr. 
Downing was one of the original founders. Marshall P. 
Wilder, President." The whole monument, with the granite 
plinth, is 9£ ft. high, and cost $1,600. 

Description. — The style of architecture of the Smithsonian 
Building, designed by James Renwick, Jr., of N". Y., is Nor- 
man, and chronologically belongs to the end of the 12th cen- 
tury, representing the rounded at the time of merging into the 
Gothic. It is the first unecclesiastical structure o2 that period 
ever built in the United States. The building compares favor- 




SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 



ably with the best examples of the styles, variously called the 
Norman, the Lombard, the Romanesque, and the Byzantine. 
The semi-circular arch still is used throughout in doors, win- 
dows, and other openings. The windows are without elabo- 
rately traceried heads. The weather mouldings consist of 
corbel courses with bold projections. It has towers of various 



180 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

sizes and shapes. The main entrance from the N., sheltered 
by a carriage porch, is between two towers of beautifully 
symmetrical proportions and unequal height. The general 
design consists of a main centre building, two stories high and 
two wings of a single story, connected by intervening ranges, 
each having a cloister on the 1ST. with open stone screen. In 
the centre of the N". side of the main building are two towers, 
the higher one 145 ft. On the S. is a single massive tower 37 
ft. square, including the buttress, and 91 ft. high. On the 
NE. corner is a double campanile 17 ft. square and 117 ft. to 
the top of its finial. At the SW. corner is an octagonal tower 
finished with open work in the upper portions. At the SW. 
and NW. corners are two smaller towers. There are 9 tow- 
ers in all, including the small ones at each wing. 

The extreme length of the building from E . to W., includ- 
ing the porch of the E. wing, is 447 ft. The breadth of the 
centre of the main building and towers, including carriage 
porch, is 160 ft. The E. wing is 82 by 52 ft., and 42 J ft. high 
to the top of its battlement. The W. wing, inclusive of its 
projecting apsis, is 84 by 40 ft., and 38 ft. high. Each con- 
necting range, inclusive of cloister, is 60 by 49 ft. The main 
building is 205 by 57 ft. and to the top of the corbel courses 
58 ft. high. 

The material used is a variety of freestone found in the new 
red sandstone formation, about 23 m. distant from Washing- 
ton, in the vicinity of the point where Seneca creek empties 
into the Potomac river. It is the same, though brought from 
a different locality, as that used in the construction of Trinity 
church of New York city. The building throughout is con- 
structed in the most durable manner. The foundation walls 
vary from 12 to 8 ft. at the base to 5 ft. at the top. The walls 
of the main building, above the M'ater table, are 2 J ft. for the 
first story, and 2 ft. for the second, exclusive of buttresses, 
corbel courses, and other exterior projections, and exclusive 
of the interior lining of brick. The walls of the wings are 2 
ft. thick. Groined arches are turned under the central, the 
campanile, and octagonal towers, and towers of the W. wing. 
The copings, cornices, battlements, window jambs, mullions, 
sills, and all stone work, is held by iron clamps leaded. The 
face of the building is finished in ashlar, laid in courses 10 to 
15 in. in height, and with an average bed of 9 in. The whole 
of the centre building is fireproof, and the two wings and 
ranges practically so. The roofs are of slate laid on iron. 

The Smithsonian Institution proper has two chief lines of 
action : I. To stimulate the preparation of original works in 
general and special science: to publish and to distribute them 
judiciously and promptly to all the scientific centres of the 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 181 

world, through a system of international exchanges, now the 
most complete on the globe. The Institution also distributes 
abroad, free of expense, the publications of scientific and 
historical societies when sent to them. It has ten agents of 
its own, and is in correspondence with 2,400 institutions 
abroad. The publications of the Smithsonian are the " Con- 
tributions to Knowledge," "Miscellaneous," and "Annual 
Reports " — the latter to Congress. 

II. Meteorological investigations. These have been pros- 
ecuted over a quarter of a century, and reports are now re- 
ceived from over 600 stations, in all parts of the Western 
Hemisphere. The observations relate solely to the general 
laws of climatology of the continent. The Institution has 
also patronized and aided the cause of science and explora- 
tion, both in the efforts of the Government and private indi- 
viduals. It lias also co-operated with the other departments 
of the Government. Its valuable library has been incorpo- 
rated with that of Congress. The extensive herbarium, on 
condition of approving the botanist in charge, has been 
transferred to the Department of Agriculture, and all the 
crania and other osteological specimens to the Army Medical 
Museum. In return, from the latter it receives from the 
officers of the army all collections made in ethnology and in 
special branches of natural history. 

National Museum, — (Open every day, except Sunday, from 
9 a. in. to 4 p. m.) — This national collection is in the charge of 
the Smithsonian Institution, though it is supported by the 
United States. Its origin was under the act establishing that 
Institution, and its head is the Secretary, Professor Joseph 
Henry, though the active supervision has been assigned by 
him to Prof. Spencer F. Baird, Assistant Secretary. 

With the limited means at command, it was found imprac- 
ticable to expect an extensive general museum. The efforts 
of the manager of that offshootTof the Institution, therefore, 
were directed to the accumulation of material from the Amer- 
ican continent. The act of organization contributed, as tl it- 
foundation of the museum, the collections of specimens 
brought back by the United States exploring expedition to the 
Southern Hemisphere, under Captain (Rear Admiral) Charles 
Wilkes, originally deposited in the Patent Office. It Avas trans- 
ferred to the Institution in 1858. Since that time the collec- 
tion has been increased by the type specimens from upwards 
of fifty subsequent expeditions of the General Government, 
and contributions resulting from the operations of the Insti- 
tution, besides a large number of donations from individuals. 
The articles represent all parts of the globe and every branch 



182 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

of natural history. The collection of the larger North Amer- 
ican and European mammals, both skins and skeletons, is the 
most complete in the United States. In ethnological speci- 
mens of this continent it surpasses anything in the world. In 
other respects it ranks favorably with the collections of the 
Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences and the Cambridge. 
Museum. 

The collections of the Museum are undergoing rearrange- 
ment, occasioned by the fitting up of the hall on the second 
floor. The arrangement contemplated is the exclusive use of 
the lower main hall for the zoological department. The Gothic 
hall containing ethnological specimens to economical geol- 
ogy, and the W. hall to mineralogy and geology. The latter 
is now finally arranged. In the space on either side of the 
entrance, at the foot of the stairways, will be placed a large 
and valuable collection of plaster casts of the food fishes of 
the United States, made under the direction of Prof. S. F. 
Baird, United States Fish Commissioner. The second floor, 
now being fitted with cases, will contain the extraordinarily 
large ethnological collection relating to the native tribes of 
North America, ancient and modern, and the rich store of 
specimens of the same character, from the Feejee, Samoan, 
Viti, and Sandwich Islands, at the time of the visit of the 
Wilkes exploring expedition. 

Main Hall— This hall is 200 ft. long, 50 ft. wide, and 25 ft. 
high. The ceiling is supported on two rows of columns. 
Around the hall, against the railings of the galleries, are the 
heads, complete or skeleton, of various larger animals. That 
at the YV. end is of a buffalo, an excellent specimen. Opposite 
the entrance is the Register, in which visitors are requested 
to record their names. Near by, on the r., is a specimen of 
the great auk killed on the island of Eldey, near Iceland, in 
1834, believed to be extinct, not having been seen alive since 
1844. Owing to its short wings, it was incapable of flight. 
But two other specimens of the bird, and but one other of the 
egg, is in the United States. 

Commencing on the 1. of the main entrance, the first case 
contains carniverous animals, the next two birds of foreign 
countries, two of birds of North America, and one of foreign 
countries. The table cases between contain shells, and the 
wall cases skeletons and alcoholic specimens. The table 
cases in the centre of the room are filled with a fine collec- 
tion of birds' nests and eggs. In the lower part of the first 
are specimens of ostrich eggs, and a cast of the egg of the 
giant fossil bird of Madagascar. The end wall cases are 
empty, but will, in the rearrangement of the museum, be 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 183 

filJpd with zoological specimens. In the S. range of cases 
the tirst two contain birds of North America, the next three 
of foreign countries, and the last seals, fish, and alligators. 
The table cases between are devoted to shells, and those 
against the wall to alcoholic specimens. The cases in the 
galleries of the E. part of the Hall contain skeletons of birds. 

In the W. half of the Hall, resuming the S. range of cases, 
the tirst contains mammals, including a musk ox, female 
chimpanzee, and a cast of a gorilla's head, the next two 
mammals, and the rest corals. The table cases between ex- 
hibit ethnological and those against the wall ethnological 
and alcoholic specimens. 

In one of the recesses in the S. range, in a large jar, is a 
specimen of the devilfish from California. When expanded, 
it measures 8 ft. in diameter. Its shape is that of a star with 
eight points. In another recess on the same side are exhibi- 
tions of beaver cuttings. 

On the r., entering the main N. door, the first case contains 
mammals, embracing the deer and antelope families. Here 
are excellent specimens of the Rocky Mountain sheep and 
goat. The next embraces birds of North America, and the 
remaining four on the same side birds of foreign countries. 
The table cases between contain ethnological and the wall 
alcoholic specimens. 

The first table case in the centre of the W. portion of the 
Hall is devoted to shells above and shells of turtles below. 
In the second are^ ethnological specimens relating to the 
American Indians.* On the E. end of this case is the head 
of a Peruvian chief, compressed b}^ an unknown method, 
very rare. 

h\ the gallery cases are birds and ethnological specimens. 
Against the W. wall, is a case of fish casts and three of 
birds. We here enter the 

Gothic Hall. — This Hall receives its name from the style of 
architecture used, and contains ethnological specimens and 
relics, and other articles of historic interest. It is proposed 
during the present year to make a general rearrangement of 
the collections of the National Museum. This Hall will then 
be assigned to economic geology. The portrait over the W. 
door represents General Washington, painted by the elder 
Peale. The painting was shipped to Europe and captured 
by a French privateer, taken to France, where it was pur- 
chased and returned to the United States, and ultimately 
cam'..- into the possession of the National Institute. 

In the N. range are the collections representing the Ameri- 



184 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

can Indians and Esquimaux of Greenland. In the wall case 
on the W. is the suit and rifle used by Dr. Kane in his Arctic 
exploration ; also the shot gun and rifle used by Captain Hall, 
and rifle of Esquimaux Joe. 

On the S. are the collections relating to China, Japan, Mus- 
cat, and Siam. 

In the E . table case are a number of relics and other ob- 
jects of historical interest. Among these is a fine collection 
of medals awarded to military and naval oflicers of the Revo- 
lution and subsequent wars ; copies of royal seals of gold and 
silver, presented by William Blackmore, of London; a few 
odd specimens of the Denon and American medals destroyed 
in the fire at the Library of the United States ; locks of hair 
of Presidents of the United States; the razor of Captain 
Cook, the navigator ; one of the bolts to which Columbus 
was chained ; part of the machinery of the first steamboat 
built by James Kumsey, of Shepherdstown, Va., 1786 ; Chi- 
nese paper money, Japanese manuscript, an interesting 
specimen of handwriting in Greek, arranged in book form ; 
and treaties with Turkey, Sweden, Spain, Austria, Prussia. 
France, Russia, and England, and the seal of the United 
States. Among the treaties is the first between France and 
the United States, 1778, and Bonaparte, 1st Consul, 1803. In 
the same case below is an assortment of old arms from the 
Malayan Peninsula and China ; also arms of historical inter- 
est. 

On the W. table case is a collection illustrating the pre-his- 
toric period in Europe, embracing man of the drift, reindeer, 
lake dwelling, and shell heap period, down to that of chipped 
and polished stone implements. Among the interesting fea- 
tures of this period are specimens relating to the lake-dwell- 
ing period in Switzerland, and breccia of the reindeer period 
in England; also, a model of Stonehenge, in that country; 
also, bones from Patagonia, and Indian implements. In the 
same case below are a number of relics of the Franklin, Fro- 
bisher, Kane, and Hall North Polar expeditions. 

At the end of the hall is an original tablet containing a high 
order of Mexican hieroglyphics. Beyond the Gothic is the 

West Hall, a fine, well lighted apartment, and assigned to 
the mineralogical cabinet of the National Museum, divided 
into four sections : 

I. General Mineralogical Collection, occupying the S. and 
the S. end of the E. walls. This embraces 300 species of 
minerals from all parts of the world, and contains many very 
beautiful specimens. 

II. General Lithological Collection, occupying the entire 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 185 

W. wall, and composed mainly of specimens brought back by 
the various Government exploring- expeditions within the 
United States and W. of the Mississippi river, and also sev- 
eral European series. 

III. Ore Collection, on the 1ST. end of the E. wall, and em- 
bracing ores from a large number of lodes in the Western 
States and Territories. It is proposed to obtain for this col- 
lection a specimen of every worked lode W. of the Mississippi, 
which would then be valuable as a means of comparing ores. 

IV. Metallurgical Collection, in the center of the E. wall, 
embraces ores, slags, raw and commercial products, present- 
ing the various interests of this character in the United 
States and foreign countries. 

Against the N". wall, E. side, is a case containing an inter- 
esting collection of geyserites from the National Park on the 
Yellowstone, gathered by the Hayden Exploring Expedi- 
tion. It is the best and most valuable series of the kind in 
existence. At the S. end of the hall, the table case contains 
the Polaris Collection, made bv Dr. Emil Bessels during the 
United States North Polar Expedition, 1870-73. All the 
specimens were gathered above 80° N. latitude. The ham- 
mer and piece of powder canister belonged to Capt. Parry's 
Expedition in 1821. He lost his ships on Fury Beach. The 
next table case on the N. contains stalactites and a very fine 
specimen of sulphur from Sicily. The third table contains 
minerals from different foreign countries. 

In the centre of the hall is a large group of mineral speci- 
mens, including the Irwin-ainsa Meteorite, from Tucson, Ari- 
zona, weighing 1,400 lbs. It is of ring shape, and measures 
49 in. in exterior diameter, and 27 hi. in opening. The thickest 
part is 17 in. wide. A large mass of native copper from On- 
tonagon, Lake Superior, in early days used by the Indians 
as a sacrificial altar, and estimated to weigh over 3,000 lbs. 
The Couch Meteorite, found by Lieut. D. N". Couch, United 
States Army, in Coahuila, Northern Mexico, and weighing 
260 lbs. It was used as an anvil. The rest of the same 
group is made up of coals, fossil woods from the Rocky 
Mountains, cinnabar from California, and stalactites and 
other interesting specimens from different parts. 

A card explaining the system of labelling will be found in 
the hall. The arrangement of the collection was made by 
Dr. F. M. Endlich, of Penn., mineralogist of the Institution. 

Returning to the main hall, opposite the main N. entrance, 
is the 

S. Vestibule, which contains a number of foreign anti- 
quities. In the centre is the marble Sarcophagus, brought 



186 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

to the United States on the frigate Constitution by Commo- 
dore Jesse D. Elliott, in 1839, from Beirut, Syria. It was 
originally the repository of the remains of the Roman Em- 
peror Alexander Severus. The Sarcophagus was intended 
for the tomb of General Andrew Jackson, and for that pur- 
pose it was offered in 1845 by Commodore Elliott, but the 
General replied : "I cannot consent that my mortal body 
shall be laid in a repository prepared for an emperor or a 
king ; my republican feelings and principles forbid it ; the 
simplicity of our system of government forbids it. Every 
monument erected to perpetuate the memory of our heroes 
and statesmen ought to bear evidence of the economy and sim- 
plicity of our republican institutions, and the plainness of our 
republican citizens, who are the sovereigns of our glorious 
Union, and whose virtue is to perpetuate it." 

The small marble tablet is from the temple erected by 
Miltiades on the plains of Marathon, in honor of his victory 
over the Persians, 490 B. C. 

In the collection of idols from Central America, the largest, 
carved in black basalt, and that with a Sphinx-like head-dress, 
are from the island of Momotombita, in Lake Manaqua. One 
of the others was used by the Indians of the Pueblo of Sub- 
tiava, and two are from the island of Zapatero, in Lake 
ISTicaraugua, once the site of the greatest of all the temples 
of the aboriginal people. There are also a cast of an ancient 
carved stone at Palenque Chiapas, Mexico, the hieroglyphics 
of which have not yet been fully read, and a plank and speci- 
men of bark from the giant redwood tree of California. The 
plank is 12 ft. long and 6| ft. wide. 

Leaving the main hall by the ST. door, the double flight of 
steps lead to the Ethnological Hall, on the seco"d fleorjbeing 
fitted up with walnut cases for the display of the Ethnologi- 
cal collections of the museum. This hall is of the same di- 
mensions as that on the first floor. In the centre is a cast of 
the extinct megatherium, found at Buenos Ayres, the largest 
type of the sloth family of the pre-historic age. It is sur- 
rounded by an iron railing with cappings of the existing 
types of the same family. On the E. is a cast of a glypto- 
don, now extinct, the largest representative of the armadillo 
family. In a corresponding position on the W. is the cast of 
a giant turtle found in the Himalaya mountains. In the hall, 
temporarily, are specimens of the extinct Irish elk, a skeleton, 
and a cast of the animal restored, a buffalo and two skeletons, 
a moose and one skeleton, a tapir and two skeletons, a gnu, 
deer, and reindeer, and skeletons of a camel and Rocky- 
mountain sheep. Also other animals, and varieties of sharks, 
sword and torpedo fish, and walrus. Also two kyaeks. 



SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 187 

Secretaries of the Smithsonian Institution. — 1846, Joseph 
Henry. 

History. — The original fund which led to the foundation 
of the Smithsonian Institution was the bequest of James 
Smithson, of England, amounting to $515,169. The founder 
belonged to one of the best families of England. He was 
the son of Hugh, first Duke of Northumberland, and Eliza- 
beth, heiress of Hnngerfords of Audley and niece of Charles 
the Proud, Duke of Somerset. He was a native of London, 
was educated at Oxford, and took an honorary degree there 
in 1786. At the university he was known as James Lewis 
Macie, and a few years after leaving took that of Smithson, 
the family name of the Northumberlands. His life was 
mostly spent on the continent of Europe, where he died at 
Genoa in 1828. He was particularly known to the scientific 
world as a skillful chemist, mineralogist, and geologist, on 
each of which subjects he contributed valuable papers. He 
was never married, and hence devoted his entire life to the 
cultivation of his taste for knowledge. He held a high ap- 
preciation of mental endowments, usefully applied, and 
claimed that though in his veins coursed the best blood of 
England his name would outlive that of his ancestors, who 
possessed inherited titles and honors only. It is stated that 
at one time he contemplated leaving his money to the Royal 
Society of London, but owing to a disagreement vested it in 
his nephew, Henry James Hungerford, for life, after which 
it was to go to the United States of America "' to found, at 
Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, 
an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knoivledge 
among men." The Government of the United States, by act 
of Congress of July 1, 1836, accepted the bequest. In the 
same year Richard Rush, of Pennsylvania, who had been 
Minister of the United States at the court of King George 
IV, from 1817 to 1825, was designated Commissioner to as- 
sert and prosecute the claim of the United States to the 
legacy. Having obtained the available amount of the be- 
quest he brought it to the United States. It was deposited 
in the Treasury of the United States and invested. 

The permanent Smithson fund in the Treasury of the 
United States, including the original bequest, residuary 
legacy, and savings, and bearing 6 percent, interest, paya- 
ble semi-annually in coin, is $650,000. In addition to this, 
out of the savings, $450,000 were expended in the erection of 
a building. The expenses of the Institution are paid out of 
the income from the permanent fund, and the National Mu- 
seum by appropriations by Congress. 



188 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 

The Institution was legally constituted by act of Congress 
dated August 10, 1846. The administration of affairs was 
intrusted to a Board of Regents, who elected a Secretary, 
charged with the management of the business under their 
direction. 

The corner-stone of the building was laid May 1, 1847. 
President Polk and his Cabinet and a large number of citi- 
zens and strangers were present on the occasion. The cere- 
mony was conducted by the fraternity of Masons, the Grand 
Master in charge wearing the apron presented by the Grand 
Lodge of France to Washington through Lafayette. The 
gavel employed was that used by Washington upon the lav- 
ing of the corner-stone of the Capitol of the United State's. 
The orator of the day was the Hon. George M. Dallas, of 
Pennsylvania. The building was not entirely completed till 
1856, and at a cost of $450,000. 

The first use of the main hall on the ground floor was for an exhibition given 
by the Mechanics' Institute of Washington in 1856. The next year the build- 
ing was regularly occupied, by the transfer to it of the Government collections 
in the Patent Office, as provided by the act of organization, and which pre- 
viously had belonged to the National Institute for the Promotion of Science, 
founded in 1840, incorporated 1842, and expired 1858. On the 24th of Jan., 
1865, the Institution suffered a serious calamity, in the destruction of all the 
flammable material of the upper portion of the main building and towers by- 
fire. The losses were of a character, in many instances, which could not be 
replaced, and included the official, scientific and miscellaneous correspond- 
ence record-books, and manuscripts in the Secretary's office, aparatus,/^r- 
sonal effects 0/ Smithson . tools and instruments, all duplicate copies of 
Smithsonian reports on hand for distribution, and the wood-cuts of illustra- 
tions used in the Smithsonian publications ; also all of a gallery of Indian por- 
traits and other private property. The operations of the Institution, however, 
were not impaired, and the destroyed parts of the building were restored in 
their present fire-proof condition. There was a long controversy as to the 
policy of the Institution. The Government party favored a national library, 
to contain all the trashy productions of the day. This the scientific party- 
warded off, and devoted themselves to works in keeping with the spirit of the 
bequest. A general museum was also to be formed. This was probably a less 
practicable enterprise than the former. Capital and income combined were 
not sufficient to make anything worthy of the name. The foundation of a 
gallery of art on the means at command was also an absurdity. A few 
plaster casts and pictures, without any claims to the notice of an intelligent 
student or admirer of art, were accumulated, and fortunately for the reputation 
of the Institution, were destroyed in the fire of 1865. 

In r866, by act of Congress, the library of the Institution, comprising a 
large and valuable collection of scientific works and transactions of societies in 
all parts of the world, was transferred to the Library of Congress. 

The free lectures, originally contemplated prior to 1865, were patronized 
with more or less ardor, but their novelty soon languished. After 1865 : they 
were finally abandoned, and assistance rendered to an association of citizens. 

With the progress of time the Smithsonian Institution has become a kind of 
central head with reference to communication with the scientific institutions 
and societies of other countries. 



CORCORAN GALLKUY OF ABT, 



189 




---^^icwLsm^mvm 



THH COKCOKAM (iALLEKY OF ART. 

CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. 

The Gallery is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 
admission 25 c; Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, free; 
hours, 10 a. m. to 4t p. m. from October to April, and 10 a. m. 
to 6 p. m.from April to October. The building stands on the 
NE. corner of Pennsylvania av. and 17th st., and was com- 
menced in 1859. From 1861 to 1869 it was occupied by the 
Quartermaster General of the United States Army. 

It is in the renaissance style, and has a frontage of 104 ft. on 
Pennsylvania av., and 124J ft. on 17th st. The exterior is 
constructed of brick, with facings, trimmings, and ornaments 
of Belleville freestone. The front on Pennsylvania av. is 
divided into a central pavilion, with a curtain on either side, 
and flanked by two other pavilions, one on either corner, 
and divided into two stories. The central pavilion has ver- 
miculated quoins in the corner, and these inclose the grand 
entrance door with a carved jamb and arch, overtopped with 
fierce tigers' heads, in relievo. The anticom of the first story 
is simple in design and detail, and at the same time corre- 
sponds with the massiveness of the quoins at the corners of 
the building. 

The second stoiy of the central pavilion consists of an 
arched recess. The span between the import and the suffit 
of the arch is filled with decorations, and contains the mono- 
gram of the founder, surrounded with carved wreaths and 
enscrollments. Just beneath this there is a palladium win- 



190 CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. 

dow, with fluted pilasters and columns and capitals, express- 
ing American foliage, exquisitively carved. In the arch are 
two wreaths, encircling various implements of painting and 
sculpture. 

The central pavilion is flanked on either side by two fluted 
columns, with capitals representing the broad leaves and 
fruit of the cornstalk. These support an entablature, on 
which are trophies, representing the Arts, on the frieze of 
the central pavilion ; and on this are inscribed the words, 
"Dedicated to Art." The cornice over this has a pediment, 
in the tympanum of which is a bass relief, representing the 
Genius of Painting, surrounded by figures emblematical of 
the sister arts. 

The entire structure is surrounded by an imposing Man- 
sard roof, slated, and carried 10 ft. higher than the ordinary 
roof of the building. The architects were James Renwick, 
Jr., and R. T. Auchmutv, of N". Y. The cost of the building 
was 8150.000. 

The entrance is on Pennsylvania av., and opens into a ves- 
tibule 25 ft. by 28 ft., from which lead the broad stairs to the 
second story. These stairs are of freestone, 10 ft. wide. On 
each side are passages 8* ft. wide, and leading to the sculp- 
ture hall. The stairs and halls are lighted by two courts. 

The vestibule to the sculpture hall is 19 ft. wide by 28 ft. 
long, with two spacious bay windows at the ends. The 
sculpture hall itself is 96i ft. long by 25 ft. wide, and is 
amply lighted by 10 windows. 

The janitor's apartments are oa the r. of the main vesti- 
bule, and just behind them, and connecting with the main 
sculpture hall, are two rooms, one 19 ft. by 43 J ft., the other 
19 ft. square. These rooms can be used for a school of de- 
sign, which it is proposed to establish. 

On the 1. of the vestibule is the trustees' room, 25 ft. by 33 
ft., and adjoining is the library, 20 ft. by 65 ft. These gal- 
leries are connected by spacious arched doors. 

The picture galleries are on the second floor. The main 
stairs open into a hall 28 ft. wide by 42 J ft. long, on either 
side of which are small galleries. The grand picture gallery, 
entered at the head of the stairs, is 45 ft. wide by 96 ft. long. 
There are three small galleries fronting on Pennsylvania av., 
the centre one, being an octagon, is 25 ft. The other two 
are 25 ft. by 32 ft. In the rear of these, and extending along 
the sides of the building, are two galleries, 19 J ft. by 43 1 ft. 

All these galleries are lighted by sky-lights, and are so ar- 
ranged that the quantity can be regulate etas desired. These 
galleries are connected with each other by lofty archM doors, 
thug affording a continuous passage around the floor. The 



CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART. 191 

cornices and ceiling's of the various galleries are enriched 
with panel ornaments and moldings representing American 
foliage. The floors are laid on brick arches, which rest on 
iron girders. 

The building was formally conveyed by the donor. W. W. 
Corcoran, Esq., of Washington, to a board of trustees in 
1S69, who were incorporated in 1870. 

The basis of the collection of paintings and statuary is the 
rare and valuable private 1 gallery of Mr. Corcoran, which cost 
upwards of $100,000. The collections comprise — 

In Statuary, Powers' Greek' Slave;, in the octagon room. 
second floor, fitted up with reference to the special exhibition 
of this very superior work of art. In the same room are 
busts of celebrated men, and other objects of interest. 

In Bronzes, on the first floor, two thirds of all the bronzes 
produced by Barye, numbering about 70 pieces. 

In Antiquities, reproductions of vases, cams, dishes, £e., 
discovered in an excavation made at Hildersheim on the site 
of a former Roman camp. 

Of the Paintings, in the grand hall on the second floor, of 
the private collection of Mr. Corcoran, donated to the gallery, 
maybe mentioned, "The. Adoration of the Shepherds," by 
Mengs, from the collection of Joseph Bonaparte ; " The Flag- 
ellation of Christ," attributed to Van Dyke ; an unknown 
Flemish picture, "Ora et Labora," dated 1619; u The Vil- 
lage Doctor," hy Vennemen ; "The Happy and Unhappy 
Families," by Brackaleer ; a small Madonna and child, sup- 
posed to be by Murillo ; a beautiful representation of a storm, 
castle on a promontory, fishermen puzzled over their nets, by 
Joseph Vernct ; copy of Bega's ■ ' Child and Nurse ; " a paint- 
ing by George Morland, representing a countryman coming 
home at sunset; "Shakspeare and His Friends," by Faed ; 
'•Mercy's Dream," by Huntingdon; "The Hudson in Au- 
tumn," by Doughty; "The Departure and the Returu," by 
Cole, very superior ; "The Amazon, " by Leutze ; " Milton." 
(playing the organ to Cromwell and his family,) by Leutze : 
4 * The Huguenot's Daughter," by Washington ; "Moonrise at 
Madeira," by Hildebrandt, painted for Mr. Corcoran through 
the instrumentality of Baron v. Humboldt ; a "Winter Scene, 
byGignoux; portraits of Washington, after Gilbert Stuart, 
and Lafayette, by Sully; Lasteyrie, by Rembrandt Peale ; 
Thomas Sully, the artist, by himself; Baron Humboldt, by 
Madame Richards, and Henry Clay, by Inman. 

Among the paintings added by purchase are, "The Death 
of Caesar,*' by Jerome; "Conite de Wirtemberg Weeping 
over the Body of his Son," by Ary Shelter, (the original;) 
"Spring" and "Twilight, landscapes, by Japy, (Louis;) 



192 WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 

"La puit qui parle," by Vely ; " Spring- Flowers," by Jean- 
nin; "Lost Dogs," by Von Thoren ; "Two Flowers," by 
Conder ; " Sunset," by Breton ; " Effect of Snow," by Breton; 
"The Drought in Egypt," by Portael, which won the prize 
gold medal in the competition of 1873 at the Crystal Palace. 

Opposite the main door of the picture gallery is a fine life- 
size portrait of Mr. Corcoran at 69 years cf age, founder of 
the Institution, painted by Charles Elliott in 1867. 

Mr. Corcoran was born in Georgetown, in 1798, and re- 
ceived his education there. He began business as an auction- 
eer and commission merchant. In 1S37 he became a banker in 
Washington. In 1840 he became associated with George W. 
Biggs, and retired from business in 1854. Mr. Corcoran still 
enjoj^s excellent health. 

Among the interesting objects ordered are plaster copies of 
about two-thirds of the Elgin marbles in the British Museum ; 
a collection of porcelain and Fayance manufacture ; copies of 
the Baptistry Gates at Florence ; and antiques being cast in 
plaster in Paris and Rome. 



WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 

This long-neglected tribute to the life and character of 
George Washington, occupies a conspicuous site on a small 
plateau near the banks of the Potomac, W. of the Mall, where 
the Tiber formerly emptied into the main stream, and S. of 
the President's House. 

The Monument Grounds, or Park, as originally designated, 
have an area of 45 a. An avenue 69 ft wide connects Execu- 
tive av. with the Drive which, leaving the lake on the 1., fol- 
lows the line of the river bank, winds around the Monument, 
and communicates with the grounds of the Department of 
Agriculture at 14th st. W. A short distance W. of the Mon- 
ument may be seen the stone which marks the centre of the 
District of Columbia. On the hillside to the S. are the Gov- 
ernment Propagating Garden and Nursery. 

The Design. — The design of the Monument, prepared by 
Robert Mills, comprehends an appropriate National testimo- 
nial to the services of the great citizen in whose honor it was 
founded, and at the same time symbolizes the Republic estab- 
lished by his patriotism and discretion. It embraces the idea 
of a grand circular colonnaded building, 250 ft. in diameter, 



WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 



198 





•WASHINGTON MONUMENT. 



and 100 ft. high, from which springs an 
obelisk shaft 70 ft. at the base and 500 
ft. high. 

The vast rotunda, forming the grand 
base of the monument, is surrounded by 
30 columns of massive proportions, be- 
ing 12 ft. in diameter and 45 ft. high, 
elevated upon a lofty base or stylobate 
of 20 ft. elevation and 300 ft. square, 
surmounted by an entablature 20 ft. 
high, and crowned by a massive balus- 
trade 15 ft. in height. 

The ten-ace outside of the colonnade 
is 25 ft. wide, and the pronaos or walk 
within the colonnade, including the col- 
umn space, 25 ft. The walks inclosing 
the cella, or gallery within, are fretted 
with 30 massive pilasters 10 ft. wide, 45 
ft. high, and 7J ft. projection, answer- 
ing to the columns in front, surmounted 
by their appropriate architrave. The 
deep recesses formed by the projection 
of the pilasters provide suitable niches for the reception of 
statues. 

A tetrastyle portico, (four columns in front,) in triple rows 
of the same proportions and order with the columns of the 
colonnade, distinguishes the entrance to the monument, and 
servos as a pedestal for the. triumphal air and statue of the 
illustrious chief. The steps to this portico are flanked by 
massive blockings, surmounted by appropriate figures and 
trophies. 

Over each column, in the great frieze of the entablatures, 
around the entire building, are sculptured escutcheons, (coats 
of arms of each State in the Union,) surrounded by bronze 
civic wreaths, banded together by festoons of oak leaves, &c, 
all of which spring (eacli way) from the centre of the portico, 
where the coat of arms of the United States is emblazoned. 

The statues surrounding the rotunda outside, under the 
colonnade, are all elevated upon pedestals, and will be those 
of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

ABcending the portico outside to the terrace level a lofty 
vomitoria, (doorway,) 30 ft. high, loads into the cella, (rotunda 
gallery,) 50 ft. wide, 500 ft. in circumference, and 68 ft. high, 
with a colossal pillar in the centre 70 ft. in diameter, around 
which the gallery sweeps. This pillar forms the foundation 
of the obelisk column above. 

Both sides of the gallery are divided into spaces by pilas- 
13 



104 WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 

ters, elevated on a continued zocle or base 5 ft. high, forming 
an order, with its entablature, 40 ft., crowned by a vaulted 
ceiling 20 ft., divided by radiating arcbevaults corresponding 
with the relative positions of the opposing pilasters; and in- 
closing deep sunken coffers enriched with paintings. 

The spaces between the pilasters are sunk into niches for 
the reception of the statues of the fathers of the Revolution, 
contemporary with Washington : over which are large tablets 
to receive the national paintings commemorative of the bat- 
tles and other scenes of that memorable period. Opposite to 
the entrance of this gallery, at the extremity of the great cir- 
cular wall, is the grand niche for the reception of the statue 
of the tl Father of his Country,'" elevated on its appropriate 
pedestal, and designated as principal in the group by its co- 
lossal proportions. 

This spacious gallery and rotunda, which properly may be 
denominated the wt national Pantheon," is lighted in 4 grand 
divisions from above. 

Entering the centre pier through an arched way, you pass 
into a spacious circular area, and ascend with an easy grade, 
by a railway, to the grand terrace, 75 ft. above the base of the 
monument. This terrace is 700 ft. in circumference, 180 ft. 
wide, inclosed by a colonnade balustrade 15 ft. high, with its 
base and capping. The circuit of this grand terrace is studded 
with small temple-formed structures, constituting the cupolas 
of the lanterns, lighting the pantheon gallery below. 

Through the base of the great circle of the balustrade are 4 
apertures at the 4 cardinarpoints, leading outside of the bal- 
ustrade upon the top of the main cornice, where a gallery 6 
ft. wide and 750 ft. in circumference encircles the whole, in- 
closed by an ornamental guard, forming the crowning mem- 
ber on the top of the tholus of the main cornice of the grand 
colonnade. Within the thickness of this wall staircases de- 
scend to a lower gallery over the plafond of the pronaos of 
the colonnade, lighted from above. This gallery, which ex- 
tends around the colonnade, is 20 ft. wide, divided into rooms 
for the records of the monument, works of art, or studios for 
artists engaged in the service of the monument. Two other 
ways communicate with this gallery from below. 

In the centre of the grand terrace above described rises the 
lofty obelisk shaft of the monument, 70 ft. square at the base, 
and 500 ft. high, diminishing as it rises to its apex, where it 
is 40ft. square; at the foot of this shaft, and on each face, 
project 4 massive zocles 25 ft. high, supporting so many co- 
lossal symbolic tripods of victory "20 ft. high, surmounted by 
facial columns with their symbols of authority. These zocle 
faces are embellished with inscriptions, which are continued 



WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT. 195 

around the entire base of the shaft, and occupy the surface of 
that part of the shaft between the tripods. On each face of 
the shaft, above this, is sculptured the four leading events in 
Washington's career ill basso relievo, and above this the shaft 
is perfectly plain to within 50 ft. of its summit, where a sim- 
ple star is placed, emblematic of the glory which the name of 
Wasliington has attained. 

To ascend to the summit of the column, the same facilities 
as below are provided within the shaft by an easy-graded gal- 
lery, which may be traversed by a railway terminating in a 
circular observatory 20 ft. in diameter, around which, at the 
top, is a lookout gallery which opens a prospect all around 
the horizon. 

The inner space, or that under the grand gallery or rotun- 
da, may be appropriated to catacombs for the reception of the 
remains of such distinguished men as the nation may honor 
with interment here. 

In the centre of the monument is placed the tomb of Wash- 
ington, to receive his remains, should they be removed thither, 
the descent to which is by a broad flight of steps, lighted by 
the same light which illumines his statue. 

Description. — In its present state the Monument is 174 ft. 
high. It rests on a solid foundation of Potomac gneiss rock, 
81 ft. square at the base, 8 feet below the surface, and 18 ft. 
above, narrowing to 60 ft. square. The base of the obelisk 
is 55 ft. square outside, the walls being 15 ft. thick, and 25 
ft. square inside. The outer surface consists of heavy blocks 
of ciystal marble, from Maryland, laid in regular courses of 
about 2 ft., and backed to the required thickness by gneiss 
rock, as used in the foundation. The inside of the wall is 
perpendicular, while the outer surface gradually recedes. At 
the summit, when completed, the walls will have a thickness 
of but 2 ft. The interior will be provided with an iron stair- 
case. The tablets already built in the interior walls are ar- 
ranged to correspond with the galleries of the proposed 
stairway. 

The Monument, as it now stands, cost $230,000, and was 
six years in building, when the funds ran out. The esti- 
mated cost of the obelisk is $550,000, and pantheon $570,000 
additional. Total, $1,120,000. 

The Monument completed would rank with the loftiest 
works of ancient or modern times, viz : Tower of Babel, GS0 
ft. ; Washington Monument completed, 000 ft. ; Cologne 
Cathedral completed, 511 ft. ; Balbec, 500 ft. ; Pyramid of 
Cheops, 480 ft. ; Cathedral, Strasbourg, 474 ft. ; St. Peter's, 
Rome, 458 ft. ; St. Stephen, Vienna, 445 ft. ; Cathedral, Salis- 



196 ARMORY. 

bury, England, 406 ft. ; Cathedral, Antwerp, 405 ft. ; St 
Paul's Cathedral, London, 404 ft. ; Cathedral, Milan, 400 ft. 

'Ihe Lapidarium.— In the low wooden building NE. of the 
Monument may be seen the tablets intended for the interior 
of the Monument, to. be placed the same as those already 
used. A keeper, who has charge of the keys, resides on the 
ground, and will exhibit the Monument and tablets, 81 in 
number, to visitors. 

Among the American contributions are a block of native 
copper, weighing 2,100 pounds, from Michigan, and 12 bricks 
from the birthplace of Washington. The contributions from 
abroad are from Mount Vesuvius ; Swiss Republic ; a block of 
granite from the Alexandrian Library, Egypt ; China ; Bre- 
men; Sultan of Turke}^; the Temple of Carthage, Africa; 
ancient Egyptian head; Governor and Commune of the 
Islands of Paros and Naxos ; Temple of Esculapius, island 
ofParos; Greek Government ; and Japan. 

History. — Repeated attempts have been made to erect a 
suitable tribute to the memory of Washington. In 1783 the 
Continental Congress passed a resolution for a National 
Monument. The site for the Monument, near the present 
undertaking, was approved by Washington himself in the 
first plan of the city. In 1800 a bill passed in one House of 
Congress to erect a ''mausoleum of American granite and 
marble in pyramidal form, 100 ft. square at the base, and of 
proportionate height." 

The Washington National Monument Association, the name 
by which the association of distinguished gentlemen who 
projected the monument was known, was organized in 1835. 
The amount collected to 1848 was $230,000. The corner- 
stone was laid July 4, 1848, with Masonic ceremonies, and in 
the presence of 4,000 people. Repeated efforts have since 
been made to effect its completion, but without success. 



ARMORY. 

This building stands on the SE. portion of the Mall, E. of 
the Smithsonian Institution, and fronts on 6th st. W. The 
main entrance is on the E., where a flight of steps leads to 
the drill-rooms on the second and third floors. 

The first floor is paved and arranged for artillery, there 
being three suitable entrances on the N. and S. sides of the 



CHURCHES. 107 

building. Each floor is supported by 12 iron pillars, and is 
provided with gun racks and cases for accoutrements. The 
building is about 103 by 57 ft. In 1853 Congress authorized 
the erection of the building, to be used for the care of ord- 
nance arms, accommodation of volunteers and military of the 
District of Columbia, and for the preservation of military 
trophies of the revolution and other wars. It was finished in 
1857. The building has long been out of use. It is proposed 
to place it in repair for the purposes for which it was origi- 
nallv intended. 



CHUKCHES. 



The capital possesses many church edifices which, in ar- 
chitectural display and dimensions, have kept pace with the 
growth of the population in numbers and affluence. The 
finest are the Metropolitan Methodist Episcopal* in which are 
also an interesting collection of relics from the Holy Land 
and memorial windows, First Congregational, New-York 
Av. Presbyterian, Epiphany Protestant Episcop>al, Foundry 
Methodist, Calvary Baptist, and St. Aloysius, Roman Catho- 
lic. Of the colored churches, the Fifteenth St. Presbyterian 
and Nineteenth St. Baptist are very fine structures. 

A list of leading churches and locations will be found in 
General Information. 

In 1794 the Washington Parish of the Protestant Episco- 
pal Church, to include the cities of Washington and George- 
town, was formed out of St. John's and St. Paul's Parishes. 
The parish of Christ Church was next created, and the 
church edifice near the Navy Yard was erected about 1800. 
For sixteen years it was the only Episcopal place of worship 
in the city. It was attended by Jefferson and Madison. Ser- 
vices are still held in the same structure. The first Presby- 
terian church services were held in 1793, in the carpenter 
shop used by the joiners at work on the President's House. 
The first Baptist church began worship in 1S02. and com- 
menced a building on the corner of I and 19th sts. NAY. in 
1803. The first Presbyterian church on E st. was established 
in 1803, services being first held in the hall of the Treasury 
building. In 1826 their new building was completed. St. 
Patrick's, Roman Catholic, was established in 1810. A 
Methodisl church was erected near the Navy Yard in 1S05, 
but meetings had been held in the city before. St. John's 
Episcopal Church, on the jSTE. corner of 16th and H sts. 



198 HALLS. 

W., opposite Lafayette Square, was erected in 1816, from 
designs by Latrobe, the architect of the Capitol. In 1820 it 
was enlarged, and its original form, a Greek cross, was 
changed to a Latin, and a portico and steeple added. Among 
those who attended services here were Presidents Madison, 
Monroe, and Jackson, and the diplomatic representatives of 
England. The first Unitarian church, on 6th and D sts. 
NW., fronting on Louisiana av., was erected in 1824. 



HALLS. 



There are a number of halLs in various parts of the city. 

Masonic Temple is on the NW. comer of F and 9th sts. 
NW., entrance on F St., and was erected by the Masonic Hall 
Association. The corner-stone was laid in 1868. The build- 
ing is of granite and Connecticut and Nova Scotia freestone, 
and cost $200,000. The two exposed faces are tastefully en- 
riched with an appropriate introduction of Masonic symbols. 
The ground-floor is occupied by stores, and the second by a 
public hall, 100 by 48 ft. and 25 ft. high., arid retiring rooms. 
The hall has been the scene of some of the most brilliant 
balls and State sociables given at the capital. In the third 
story are the Blue Lodges of Masonry, and in the fourth the 
Royal Arch Chapters and Commanderies. The furniture and 
fittings of the lodges are of superior quality, and are unsur- 
passed in any similar place in the country. A lodge of Ma- 
sons was established in the earliest days of the capital. Prior 
to 1816 there were two which assembled in a building on the 
borders of the river. Under the pavement of the Temple, on 
the S. front, is what was formerly known as the City Spring. 

Odd Fellows' Hall, situated on 7th st. W., bet. D and E 
sts. The earlier building was dedicated in 1846, and erected 
out of funds subscribed by the lodges and members meeting 
in the central part of the city. It was remodeled in 1873. It 
has a granite base and pressed-brick superstructure, with gal- 
vanized-iroii pilasters, jambs, caps, and cornice, and is sur- 
mounted by three domes, that in the centre raised above the 
others. The ground-floor is occupied by stores. The stair- 
way at the main entrance leads to the main hall, on the sec- 
ond floor. The hall is 100 by 40 ft. and 22 ft. high, and fitted 
with a stage of 21 ft. additional, at the E. end. It is princi- 
pally designed for balls, concerts, and lectures. Adjoining 



NEWSPAPER OFFICES. 11)9 

are ladies' retiring and gentlemen's cloak-rooms. The third 
floor contains two lodge and one Encampment rooms. The 
Library, on the same flour, for the use of members of the 
Order and their families, contains a fine collection of books. 
The first Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
was established in the District of Columbia in 1827 ; the 
Grand Lodge followed in 1828. 

Lincoln Hall. — This fine structure stands on the NE. cor- 
ner of 9th and D sts. NW. It is built of Seneca brownstone, 
with iron trimmings, is three stories high, surmounted by a 
Mansard roof. The corner-stone on the SW. bears the in- 
stription, "Y. M. C. A., iSTov. xxvn, mdccclxvii. Jeho- 
vah Jireh." The building was erected by a joint stock 
company chartered by act of Congress in 1867, and was com- 
pleted in 1869, at a cost of $200,000. On the ground floor are 
stores. There are two entrances to the upper floors : the main 
one to the Library and Reading Room and Lincoln Hall on 
D st. ; the smaller, on 9th st. 

The Free Reading Room and Library and the Parlors of the 
Association {open to the public every day except Sunday, from 
9 a. m. to 10 p. m.) are on the second floor under the Hall, en- 
trances on both sts. The Library contains about 17,000 vols., 
including the leading secular and religious newspapers of the 
country. The Washington City Library, founded in 1814, 
has been consolidated with it. 

On the same floor is Lincoln Hall, the finest lecture or con- 
cert hall in the city, which will seat about 1,300 people. 
During each winter a course of lectures is given under the 
auspices of the Association. In its scientific course, the As- 
sociation is aided by the Smithsonian Institution. In addition 
to Lincoln Hall there is a smaller hall, used for religious and 
social gatherings of the Young Men's Christian Association, 
which are held twice daily, at noon and 6 p. m. Open to all. 

Willard's Hall, on F St., between 14th and 15th sts. W , 
also affords excellent accommodations for concerts or theatri- 
cals. 



NE WSPAPER OFFICES. 

The buildings ocenph'A by two of the principal newspapers 
of the city will compare favorably in completeness, if not in 
size, with the best structures of the kind in the country. 



INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING. 



201 



UNIVER SITIES AND colleges. 

^ The public institutions of the national Capital afford un- 
rivaled facilities for professional and collegiate education. 




NATIONAL MEDICAL COLLEGE. 

The National Medical College of the Columbian University. 
on H st., between 13th and 14th sts. N. W., was founded in 
1S24. The building was the gift of W. W. Corcoran, 1864, 
cost $40,000, was originally intended for a mechanics' library 
and lectures, contains two lecture rooms, with ante rooms, 
chemical laboratory, and dissecting room. In whiter the jan- 
itor will admit visitors. The Dispensary is open daily, except 
Sunday, from 1 to 3 p. in., to the poor. The Law Depart- 
ment, Columbian University, established 1826, occupies a 
building on 5th St., between D and E sts. 1ST. W. 

The Medical and Daw Departments of Georgetown College. 
respectively established in 1851 and 1870, occup3 r buildings 
on the corner of 10th and E sts. and F between 0th and 10th 
sts. N. W. In the former is the Central Dispensary, open 
daily, except Sunday, from 1 to 3 p. m. 

The Gonzaga College, on I, between North Capitol and 
1st sts. N. W., was founded in 1848 as the Washington Sem- 
inary, and incorporated as a university in 1858. It is con- 
ducted by the fathers of the Society of Jesus, for day scholars 
only. 



202 



SCHOOLS. 



SCHOOLS. 



The Public Schools are among the prominent features of the 
National Capital. Of the buildings are the Franklin, 1st dis- 
trict, cor. 13th and K sts. NW., brick, 148 X 79 ft., basement 
and three stories, erected in 1869, and contains 14 school-rooms. 
This is said to be one of the finest school buildings in the Uni- 
ted States. The Section, 2d district, on I, bet. 2d and 3d sts. 
NW., brick, 94 X 67 feet, basement and 3 stories, erected in 
1871. The Wallach, 3d district, Pennsylvania a v., bet. 7th 
and 8th sts. SE., brick, 99 X 76 ft., basement and three sto- 
ries, erected in 1864. The Jefferson, 4th district, cor. of 6th 
and D sts. SW., brick, 172 x 88 ft, basement and 3 stories, 
with 20 school-rooms, erected in 1872. This is the largest 
school building in the city. It will accommodate 1,200 pupils. 
It is named after Thomas Jefferson, President of the United 
States, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Public 
Schools of Washington, and president of the same 1805-'08. 
There are also fine grounds. 

In the four school districts there are 43 school buildings, 
owned or rented by the citj r . The oldest still standing was 
erected in 1800 for a stable, cor. 14th and G sts. NW. 

The Colored Schools are distinct from those attended by 
white children. Prior to 1862 there were no colored public 
schools. Subsequently the schools were under charitable 
associations of the North. 

The first building was erected in 1866, on the square now 
occupied by the Sumner building. 

The Sumner Building, on the NE. corner of M and 17th 
sts. NW., was completed in 1872, at a cost of $70,000. It is 
94 ft. long, by 69 ft. wide, and has a basement, 3 stories, and 
a trussed roof. In it are 10 school-rooms. There are 13 
public schools for colored children. 

The annual expenditures are about $31S,000, One third 
of this sum is set apart for colored schools. The total school 
population is 17,403. In 1805 the revenues for the support 
of schools were derived from the net proceeds of taxes on 
slaves, dogs, licenses for carriages and hacks, ordinaries and 
taverns, selling wines and spirits, billiard tables, hawkers 
and pedlers, theatres and other public amusements. In 1806 
there were the E. and W. academies. In 1826 the schools 
were supported b}' lottery. There is now a school tax. The 
public schools were quartered in rented rooms, prior to the 
dedication of the Wallach building, in 1864. 



ASYLUMS. 



ASYLUMS. 



203 



There are a number of public and private institutions for the 
destitute and sick. 

Naval Hospital (open after 12 noon, during the weelc, if no 
severe cases) occupies the square between 9th and 10th sts. 
E. and E St. S. and Pennsylvania av. It is accessible from 
the Pennsylvania av. street cars (red) for the Navy Yard, at 
E st. The hospital is under the Bureau of Medicine and 
Surgery of the Navy deoartment, and is open to officers and 
men of the navy and marine corps. The building- consists 
of a three-story brick edifice, with mansard, and possesses 
accommodations for 50 patients. There is a reading-room for 
convalescents. A medical director in the navy is in charge. 
Naval discipline is observed. 

National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home, on G st. be- 
tween 17th and 18th sts. NW., (open to visitors every day, 
except Sunday, after 9 a. m.,) was incorporated by Congress 
in 1866, and is supported by Government appropriations. It 
is under the direction of a Board of Lady Managers, and is for 
the support and education of the orphans of the national sol- 
diers or sailors who were killed or died of wounds in the re- 
bellion of 1861-'6o. No applicants are received younger than 
6 years, nor retained after 16 years. 

Columbia Hospital for "Women, and Lying-in Asylum, 
incorporated 1866, (visiting days Tuesdays and Fridays, from 
10 a. m. to 4 p. in.,) is on the corner of L and 25th sts. N W. 
The general wards for 50 patients are free to the wives of sol- 
diers, on the permit of the Surgeon General; to women of 
other States, on permit of the Secretary of the Interior; and 
to women of the District, on permit of the Governor. There 
are also private rooms and special wards for 30 patients, for 
the use of which a small compensation is required. Connected 
with the hospital is an operating room, used for free patients 
only, and open every Saturday at 3.30 p. m., to students of 
medicine in the District. In the W. wing is a dispensary, 
open every day, where the poor receive medicines and treat- 
ment free. The institution is- principally supported by the 
National Government. 

Washington Asylum {open every day, except Sunday) is sit- 
uated in the extreme E. portion of the city, on the public 
reservation, No. 17, laid out for the purpose. It may be 
reached in 15 min. along C st. S., leaving the Pennsylvania 



204 



ASYLUMS. 



av. street cars (red) at that point. The institution combines 
an asylum for the poor of the District, and a work-house for 
persons convicted in the police courts of minor crimes except 
theft. There are accommodations in the brick buildings for 
180 persons. The first building was erected in 1815, but the 
present one in 1859. On the 1ST. is the District jail, and S. the 
District nurseries, and beyond, the Army and Nan maga- 
zines. About J m. distant, SW., is the u Congressional" 
Cemetery. 

Louise Home, (open to visitors every day, except Sunday, 
after 12 noon,) erected in 1871, was the gift of Mr. Corcoran. 
It is situated on Massachusetts av., bet. 15th and 16th sts. 
W. Its design is for gentlewomen of education and refine- 
ment, but reduced to poverty. It is named after the wife 
and daughter of Mr. Corcoran, both deceased. The build- 
ing, a commodious structure, was erected and furnished un- 
der the personal supervision of Mr. Corcoran, and, with the 
grounds, cost $200,000, and has accommodations for 55 per- 
sons. The institution is under the direction of a board of 
trustees, and has an endowment of $250,000. The inmates 
are invited by the board of directresses. 

Providence General Hospital, cor. 2d and D sts. SE., (open 
every day, from 10 to 12 a m. and 2 to 4 p. m.) The hospital 
is owned and under the care of the Sisters of Charity. It 
was founded in 1862, incorporated in 1864, and the present 
building commenced in 1867. It is about 280 ft. longv of 
brick, and will accommodate 250 patients. Towards the 
erection of the building, through Thaddeus Stevens, of Penn., 
Congress appropriated $30,000. There is now an annual ap- 
propriation for 75 non-resident paupers. Indigent persons 
receive permits from the Surgeon General of the Army, but 
any one apptying is taken in. The accommodations for pay 
patients are very superior. There is a medical staff of 12 
physicians ; also,' a reading-room, library, chapel, and oper- 
ating-room. 

The Washington City Orphan Asylum, on I, bet. 2d and 3d 
sts. NW.. was founded in 1815, Dolly P. Madison, wife of the 
President of the United States, being first directress and Mrs. 
Van Ness second. It was incorporated in 1828, and the cor- 
ner-stone of the first building was laid by Mrs. Van Ness on 
Mausoleum square, on H, bet. 9th and 10th sts. IW., the 
burial-ground of the Burns family. The building is now oc- 
cupied'by the St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum. It is under 
the direction of the benevolent ladies of the city. The present 



ASYLUMS. 



205 



building is bat temporarily occupied, that erected for the per- 
manent use of the Asylum being now rented by the Depart- 
ment of State. 

Children's Hospital, on E, bet. 8th and 9th sts. NW., (visit- 
ing days Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, from '3 to op. m.J 
incorporated in 1871. It is under the patronage of benevo- 
lent ladies and gentlemen, of the city, and lias for its object 
the free provision of surgical and medical treatment for the 
helpless children of the District between the ages of 15 mos. 
and 15 yrs. Admissions through the Board Physicians. The 
sick of the City Orphan Asylum are also treated here. There 
is a free dispensary connected with the hospital, open to all 
every day except Sunday, from 12 m. to 3 p. m. 

St. John's Hospital, for children, (visiting days Mondays 
and Thursdays, from 2 to 5 p. m.,) on I, bet. 20th and 21st 
sts. NW., is under the St. John's Sisterhood of the Episcopal 
Church. The Hospital will shortly occupjr its new premises, 
on H, bet. 19th and 20th sts. NW. 

St. Ann's Infant Asylum, founded in 1863, is on the corner 
of K and 24th sts. NVV., (visiting days Thursdays, from 2 to 5 
p. m.) It is under the management of the Sisters of Charity r 
and for the children, under 5 years, of the poor. There is a 
lying-in hospital attached. 

St. Joseph's Male Orphan Asylum, founded in 1855, (visit- 
ing days Saturdays, from 2 to 5 p. m.,) on H, bet. 9th and 10th 
sts. NW., is under the care of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. 
The male children at St. Ann's, arriving at 5 years of age, 
are sent here. The building previously belonged to the 
Wasliington Citv Orphan Asylum, and was purchased in 
1866. 

St, Vincent's Female Orphan Asylum, founded in 1831, 
(visiting every day, except Saturday and Sunday, bet. 9 and 11 
a. m.,) is on the SW. cor. of H and 10th sts. NW. It is under 
the care of the Sisters of Charity. To this are transferred the 
female children at St. Ann's arriving at 5 years of age. 

A branch of this asylum, St. Rose's Orphan Home, estab- 
lished in 1871, and owned and cared for by the Sisters of 
Charity, is situated on G-, bet. 20th and 21st sts. NW. Here 
the children, 13 years of age, are sent and taught a trade. 
It is open at any time, and sewing of all kinds for ladies and 
children is taken. 

The Epiphany Church Home is on H, bet. 14th and 15th 
sts. W. 



CEMETERIES. 



The Home for the Aged, under the Little Sisters of the 
Poor, is on the NW. cor. of 3d and H sts. NE. 



CEMETERIES. 

Two squares known as the Eastern and Western Burial- 
grounds, were allotted by the Government, in the beginning 
of the present century, for the interment of the dead. The 
Eastern, which stood in the eastern part of the city, was re- 
moved a few years since. The Western, later known as 
Holmead Cemetery, on 19th St., bet. S and T sts. NW., is be- 
ing removed. Here, for 40 years, rested the remains of Lo- 
renzo Dow, removed to Oak Hill Cemetery in 1874. 

Congressional (or Washington Parish) Cemetery, (open every 
day, except Sunday,) is situated on the banks of the Anacos- 
tia, and is accessible from the Washington and Georgetown 
Street Railway East, 
along E. st. S., dis- 
tant \ m. The Cem- 
etery, laid out in 
1807, originally com- 
prised about 10 a., 
but now embraces 30 
a. The name Con- 
gressional originated 
from the fact that a 
number of sites are 
set apart for the in- 
terment of members 
of Congress, in re- 
turn for Government 
donations of land and 
money. The small 
freestone cenotaphs, 
to the memory of de- 
ceased members of 
Congress, form a conspicuous feature. The grounds are 
adorned with drives, walks, trees, shrubs, evergreens, and a 
large fountain. 

The oldest graves lie N. of the lodge, and are of date 1804-5. 
Near the superintendent's lodge is the grave of Commodore 
Tiugey, second in command in the Algerine war. In the NE . 
portion lies George Clinton, of New York, Vice President 
of the United States, died in 1811. and Elbridge Gerry, of Mass- 




CONGBESSIONAL OEMETEEY, CENOTAPHS. 



CEMETERIES. 



207 



achusetts, signer of the Declaration of Independence and 
Vice President of the United States, died in 1814. This 
monument was erected by act of Congress. Not far off is 
the grave of Tobias Lear, private secretary and friend of 
George Washington, died in 181G. Near by are the graves 
of John Forsyth, Secretary of State, and Commodore Mont- 
gomery. On the 1. of the walk is the monument of Pus-ma- 
ta-ha, a Choctaw chief, the white man's friend, who died at 
Washington in 1824. Further on is the monument to Wil- 
liam Wirt, Attorney General of the United States 1817-1829, 
died 1834. On the 1. of the carriage road, near the fountain, 
is the grave of General Alexander Macomb, Commander-in- 
chief of tlie United States Army, who died 1841. This mon- 
ument is a handsome piece of workmanship, appropriately 
embellished and inscribed. A few feet off stands a broken 
shaft over the remains of Major General Jacob Brown, Com- 
mander-in-chief of the United States Army, died 1828. 

In the same vicinity is a monument to Abel Parker Up- 
shur, Secretary of the Navy 1841, Secretary of State 1843, 
died 1844, and Captain Kennon, killed by the explosion of 
the great gun on board the United States frigate Princeton. 
A few paces oft* stands the collossal monument to Joseph 
Lovel, Surgeon General of the United States Army, died 
1836. Near by is the monument erected to Major General 
George Gibson, U. S. A., Commissary General of Subsist- 
ence, 1861, and to Frederick Rogers, midshipman in the 
United States Navy, drowned at Norfolk, Va., 182S, while 
making efforts to save Midshipmen Slidell and Harrison, his 
friends and companions in life and death. 

Among others are the Wahiwright family, consisting of 
Commodore Richard Wahiwright, Bvt. Lt. Col. R. Auch- 
matty Wainwright, Bvt. Lt. Col. Robert DeWar, of. the 
United States Navy. All of these lie in the Wainwright 
vault, in the southern extremity of the grounds. In the S. 
portion is the tomb of Alexander Dallas Bache, Superin- 
tendent of United States Coast Survey service. Also a mar- 
ble monument, representing a broken ship's mast, to George 
Mifflin Bache, of the brig Washington, and his associates, 
who perished at sea on September 3, 1846, in a hurricane. 
Not far distant is the monument erected to the young ladies 
killed by the arsenal explosion. 

The vaults and lots of some of the oldest citizens of the 
District are also in this cemetery. 

The public vault, erected by Congress, lies SE. of the 
entrance, about the centre of the cemetery. It is a massive 
structure, entered by an iron door, which leads through a 
passage to a second iron door. 



208 DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. 



DISTRICT GOVERNMENT. 

The provisional government of the District of Columbia 
occupies a building on 4|- st. W., near Pennsylvania av. It 
is proposed to erect a suitable edifice on the space immedi- 
ately N. of the Centre Market. 

Fire Department.— The force consists of 5 Steam Fire En- 
gines, 1 Hook and Ladder Company, with officers and 4 
horses and 10 men to each Engine. The service is under a 
Board of Fire Commissioners. There is also a Fire Alarm 
Telegraph, with the Central Station at Police Headquarters. 
The buildings were erected by the city, and have every con- 
venience. The foreman will show visitors everything of 
interest. The companies are located, No. 1, K st., bet. 16th 
and 17th W. ; No. 2, D st., near 12th NAY. ; No. 3, Capitol 
Hill, Delaware av. NE. of the Capitol: No. 4, Virginia av., 
bet. 4J and 6th sts. SW. ; No. 5, High st., near Bridge; 
Hook and Ladder, Massachusetts av., bet. 4th and 5th sts. 

In the early days housekeepers were required to have a certain number of buckets, 
with their names, for each story. In 1855 there were two fire engines, an.l in 1846 
seven. In 1861 the National Government engaged the services of the Hibernia 
Steam Fire Engine, of Philadelphia, and brought the first steamer to Washington, 
as a means of protection for the immense quantities of Government stores. In 1864 
the paid system went into operation. The Government then owned three steam fire 
engines, and the corporation three, and one Hook and Ladder Company. In 1869 
the Government steamers were withdrawn. 

Metropolitan Police.— This was established in 1861. In 
1866 a police telegraph was constructed. The police force 
consists of 238 officers and men, with duties extending 
throughout the entire District. There are 8 precincts. 

District Jail.— The present jail of the District of Columbia 
is a three-storied brick structure, on reservation No. 9, and 
on the SW. corner of G and 4th sts. A new jail, more suita- 
ble to the necessities of the District, is being erected on Res- 
ervation No. 13, immediately N. of the Washington Asylum. 

The plan has an outer range of one-storied buildings of solid masonry, forming 
the enclosure of the jail proper. The latter is built of Maryland (Seneca) stone, 
brick, and iron, four stories high, with ranges of cells on each floor, 300 in all. Be- 
tween the inner building and the outer walls there is a space of 16 ft. under the 
surveillance of the guards. • 

The building is 310 by 19} ft., and from the stone base to the main cornice 50 ft. 
high, to the ridge 68 ft., and to the top of the cupola 90 ft. On either end of the 
building are ventilating shafts 86 ft. high, and, in conjunction with steam pipes 
under each tier of cells, preserve a regular temperature. The centre of the building 
forms a guard room 77 x 61 ft., from the floor of which springs the staircases to 
each tier of cells. The W. projection contains the warden's office, guard and 
witness rooms ; the E., a chapel and kitchen ; the basement, the laundry and bath 
rooms. The structure was designed by A. B. Muilett, commenced in 1872, and 
cost $400,000. It can be easily converted into a penitentiary. 



THE MARKETS. 209 



THE MARKETS. 

The country around the National Capital produces fine 
vegetables of all descriptions, and the Potomac river and 
Chesapeake Bay afford not only fish and oysters unexcelled 
and in great quantities, but admirable facilities for supplying 
the Markets with the earlier produce of more southern lati- 
tudes. The best qualities of meats and the finest game, 
aquatic and field, are also offered for sale at cheaper rates 
than other large cities. There are four principal markets in 
the city, two already accommodated with very line perma- 
nent buildings. Strangers would find the markets a most 
interesting place for. a visit. 

The largest is the Centre Market, erected b t y the Washington 
Market Company in 1870, comprising three commodious brick 
structures — a central building and two wings — length from 
E. to W., 410 ft., and which occupy the S. half of the square 
between 7th and 0th sts. W., on the S. side of Pennsylvania 
av., and accessible by liorse cars on that av. and 7th and 9th 
sts. Market every day. 

The Eastern Marled, on Capitol Hill, at the junction of 7th 
st. E. and North Carolina av., completed in 1873, is also a 
fine large brick structure. 

The Western Market, on K between 20th and 21st sts. NW., 
and the Northern Market, between 6th and 7th and O and P 
sts. NW., at present temporarily occupy sheds. Brick struc- 
tures of large dimensions are now in course of erection for 
their accommodation. In the original plan of the city, 1791, 
there were three reservations for the E., W., and Centre 
Markets ; the latter, however, is the only one erected on the 
site originally set apart. 

The Northern Liberty Market, on 5th, bet. K and L sts. 
NW., J. H. McGill, architect, erected 1874-'5 by the North- 
ern Liberty Market Company, is one of the finest market 
structures in the United States. It is of brick, 324 ft. long, 
12G ft. wide, and 105 ft. total height. The roof rests upon 
massive iron girders, the largest of the kind in the world, 
which form an imposing arch the entire width of the build- 
ing. In the butchers' portion there are 28 sections, 17 x 19 ft., 
each containing 4 stalls. Cost. $140,000. On the E. is a 
paved space for the accommodation of market wagons. 

14 



210 PLACES OF HISTORICAL INTEREST. 



4 PLACES OF HISTORICAL INTEREST. 

The residence of Gen. J. P. Van Ness still stands on what 
was known as Mansion Square, about 6 a., at the foot of 17th 
st. W., between B and C sts. N., and where the Tiber then 
emptied its waters into the Potomac. It was previously the 
residence of David Burns, one of the original proprietors of 
the site of Washington, who owned, by inheritance through 
several generations of Scottish ancestors, what now consti- 
tute the finest portions of the city. Gen. Van Ness, a repre- 
sentative from New York, by his marriage, about 1802, with 
Marcia Burns, sole heiress of the Burns estate, enlarged the 
buildings, erected green houses, planted trees and fruits, and 
made other improvements, then considered very superior. 
The place was then one of the finest in the country. The 
square is enclosed by a brick wall, with a line gateway and 
two lodges. Many of the venerable trees are still growing. 
The Van Ness warehouse, on the line of 17th st., is still stand- 
ing, though very dilapidated. The Washington canal ran just 
S. of it. Attorney General William Wirt, occupied the fine 
old mansion, now the National Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan 
Asylum, on G St., between 17th and 1 8th sts. W. The Old 
Capitol, now converted into private residences, stands on the 
NW. corner of A and 1st sts. NE. Congress met here after 
the burning of the Capitol in 1814. During- the war it was 
used as a political prison. Wirz, the prison keeper of Ander- 
son ville, was executed here. 

On North Carolina av., between 1st and 2d sts. SE., stands 
the venerable mansion of Dudclingtoil, owned by Daniel Car- 
roll, one of the original proprietors of the site of Washington, 
and one of the three commissioners appointed in 1791 to su- 
perintend the building of the city. 



SECTION y. 

ENVIRONS OF WASHINGTON. 



EOEGETOWN", the port of entry of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia, population 15,000, lies N. W. 
of Washington, separated by Kock creek, and is at 
the head of navigation of the Potomac river. It 
was laid out by George Gordon and George Beall, 
and incorporated in 17S9. The site is peculiarly 
picturesque. The " heights," dotted with villas, 
overlook a vast sweep of country, the Potomac and adjacent 
Capital. Georgetown before 1800 enjoyed considerable local 
importance, and a brisk river, coast, and foreign commerce. 





Cafjrighr, 1S74, D .". R, Keim. 

GEORGETOWN AND AQUEDUCT. 

Georgetown may be reached from Washington by the 
Metropolitan, F St., (Georgetown cars.) and the Washington 
and Georgetown, Pennsylvania av. horse cars. Arriving by 
tin; former at Washington St., a short walk leads io"Odk 
II. f I Cemetery, (open every dag except Sundays and holidays. 
jr&m sunns, to sunset.) The original grounds, 10 a., incbr- 
i ;( :;t ' ! ':• Congress, 1840, was the gift of W. W. Corcoran, 



212 



GEORGETOWN. 



<T'V3 




VV-*-vt;.;- 



fBgtmm 



VAX NESS MAUSOLEUM. 



from whom it lias an endownent of $120,000. The present 
area is 30 a. It occupies a romantic spot, formerly Parrott-s 
woods, on the north- 
ern slope of George- 
town Heights, at the 
base of which winds 
Rock creek, and lias a 
fine chapel and public 5 |<A.fp 
vault of the time of 
Henry VIII. 

Here is the Van Ness Mau- 
soleum, designed by Hadficld, 
after the Temple of Vesta at 
Rome, erected by Gen. Van 
Ness, and containing the re- 
mains of the General and his 
wife, Marcia Van Ness, nee 
Burfis., of the family cf David 
Burns, one of the original pro- 
prietors of Washington. It 

formerly stood on II, bet, 9th and 10th sts. NW., Washington. lathis Cemetery 
are the Corcoran Mausoleum, in white marble, Linthicum Memorial Chapel, the 
graves of Chief Justice Chase, S<cretary Stanton, Generals Towsbn, of the war ct 
1812, Plummcr and Reno, killed in iS6i- , 65, Commodore Morris, distinguished in 
the Algerine war, and Lorenzo Dow, the religious enthusiast, removed from Ho! 
mead Cemetery in 1S74. 

Returning to the same line of street-cars, and alighting on 
the r. side, at Market St., at the head of the street is the George- 
town High-Service Reservoir. The same point may be reached 
by turning to the r. outside the cemetery gate, and follow- 
ing Road st. to the corner of High. It consists of a domical 
reservoir, of brick, 120 ft. in diameter, with a capacity of 
1,000,00.0 galls., and is fed from the Aqueduct mains at the 
bridge over Rock creek by 2 pumps. The surface-water is 
215 ft. above tide and 70 ft. above the Distributing Reservoir. 
Ft supplies all that part of Georgetown over 100 ft. above tide. 

Descending the st. a short distance towards tire city, and 
following the (rack to Fayette st., on the opposite earner is 
the Convent of the Visitation, founded in 1790, bik not now 
open to visitors. The Academy, under the care of the Sisters 
of the Visitation, was founded at the same time, and occupies 
the building on the JN"., rebuilt in 1873, and is open to visitors 
on Wednesdays and Saturdays after 12 noon. The entrance 
i< by the door of the new building, where visitors will be re- 
ceived and conducted through the school. There are two de- 
partments : primary for girls from G to 12 years, and senior, 
for young ladies of all school ages. There is a tine philosoph- 
ical apparatus, chemical laboratory, and library. The Acade- 
my grounds comprise 40 a. Attached to the Convent is a vau^t 
containing the remains of Archbishop ISTeale, second Bishop 
of Baltimore, and founder of the institution, the daughter of 
Madame Yturbide, and the daughter of Gen. Wintield Scott, 










Ill 



ll I iffl 



'; 



111 



214 GEORGETOWN. 

a religieuse of the order. It is the oldest in the country. 
At the W. end of 2d st., Georgetown, is Georgetown College, 
{open every day except Sunday,) founded in 1789, raised to a 
University in 1815, and the oldest Koman Catholic College 
in the country. It is under the care of the Fathers of the 
Society of Jesus. 

The original building, of imported brick, is still standing on the S., and is flanked 
by two of more modern construction. Boys of all ages are received and carried 
through an entire course of instruction. The library contains 30,000 volumes, 
amongst which are many rare and curious works. There are 100 volumes printed 
between 1460 and 1520, and three manuscripts anterior to 1400, and others later. In 
the Museum is a valuable collection of coins and medals and relics of Commodore 
Decatur. The Observatory is 400 yds. distant, on the W. (For Medical and Law 
Departments see page 201.) 

There are also fine Custom and Market Houses, Post Office, 
and many beautiful church edifices. On 2d and Potomac sts. 
is the Public School, 79x97 ft., built 1874, of Potomac Seneca 
stone, brick, and iron ; has 3 stories, basement, and Mansard, 
was designed by Adolf Class, and cost $70,000. 

The building contains 8 school-rooms, a room for the Linthicum Institute and the 
Peabody Library, and a Hall capable of seating 900 persons. The Linthicum Insti- 
tute was founded in 1872 by Edward Linthicum, a retired hardware merchant of 
Georgetown, deceased 1872, who by will left $50,000 for the education of poor 
white boys. The Peabody Library fund, $22,000, was one of the numerous bene- 
factions of the American philanthropist and millionaire George Peabody. 

At the foot of the hill is the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. 

The Potomac Company, chartered by Maryland In 1784, completed a canal before 
iSooaround the Little and Great Falls These efforts were followed by the eharter, 
by Congress, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, of the present enterprise. 
Work was commenced in 1828. The object was the connection of tide- water on the 
Potomac with the head of navigation on the Ohio, a distance of 360 m. In 1841 
the canal was opened lo Cumberland, 182 m , at a cost of $13,000,000, of which 
Maryland subscribed $5,000,000, the United States $1,000,000, Washington, 1,000,- 
000, and Georgetown, Alexandria, and Virginia, each, $250,000. Cumberland re- 
mains the terminus. The execution of the enterprise was a work of great difficulty. 
There are 75 locks of 100 ft. in length, 15 ft. in width, and averaging 8 ft. lift; 11 
aqueducts crossing the Monocacy river, consisting of 7 arches of 54 ft span ; also 190 
culverts of various dimensions, some sufficiently spacious to admit of the passage of 
wagons. The canal is fed by a number of dams across the Potomac, varying from 
500 to 800 ft. in length, and from 4 to 20 ft. elevation. The breadth of the canal is 
60 ft. for the first 60 m. above Georgetown, and for the remaining distance to Cum- 
berland 50 ft., with a uniform depth of 6 ft. The entire lift is about 600 ft The 
aqueducts, locks, and culverts are constructed of stone iaid in hydraulic cement. 
The tunnel through the " Pawpaw Ridge" is 3,118 ft. in length and 24 ft. in diam- 
eter, with an elevation of 17 ft. clear of the surface of the water. The canal con- 
nects with Rock creek. From this point a canal, now out of use or filled, extended 
across Washington to the Anacostia. The canal to Cumberland opens the im- 
mensely valuable and rich coal sections of western Maryland and West Virginia. 
The unfinished portion of the canal trom Cumberland to Pittsburg is 178 m. 

The Alexandria Canal, incorporated by Congress in 1830, 
crosses the Potomac on a line Aqueduct 1,400 ft. long and 36 
ft. above high water. The piers are embedded 17 ft. in the 
bottom of the river, and are capable of resisting the immense 
weight of ice thrown against them by the current of the river 
in winter. 

A very interesting feature of the city are the coal loharves, 



ARLINGTON HOUSE AND NATIONAL CEMETERY. 215 

where the coal is transhipped into schooners for transporta- 
tion to the ports on the Atlantic seaboard. Georgetown is 
one of the largest shad and herring markets in the United 
States. The manufacturing interests of the city are small. 

At the E. end of Bridge St. is Rock-creek Bridge, connect- 
ing the two cities. 

It consists of a 2.00-ft. span, with 20 ft. rise, the arch formed by two lateral 
courses of cast-iron pipe, 4 ft. internal diameter, and i 1 ^ in in thickness. The 
arch is supported on massive abutments of sandstone. The pipes convey the water 
of the Aqueduct across the stream, and at the same time carry a street road and horse 
railway. Here the Pennsylvania av. street cars may be taken back to Washington. 

Analostan, or Mason's Island, the large tract in the Potomac 
river, opposite Georgetown, contains 70 a., and was the res- 
idence of Gen. John Mason, commissaiy general of prisoners 
in the, war of 1812. 

The Mansion still stands at the S. end, 50 ft. above the river. The now neg- 
lected grounds were also beautifully adorned. A causeway on the Virginia side and 
ferry-boat from Georgetown in former times afforded communication with the main 
land. James M. Mason, Confederate Commissioner to Europe, was born on the island. 

Arlington House and National Cemetery (Open to visit- 
ors every Bag.) Arlington House, from 1802, was the resi- 
dence of George Washington Parke Custis, the adopted son of 
Gen. Washington, and in late years of Gen. Robert E. Lee, 
till 1861. It is on the Virginia shore of the Potomac, on the 
summit of a hill, 200 ft. above the river. It is about 4 m. from 
the Capitol, and about 1 m. from Georgetown, across the 
Aqueduct bridge. The view of Washington is without a rival. 
The center building. GO ft., and two wings, each 40 ft., gives 
a frontage of 140 ft. In front is a portico CO ft. long and 
25 ft. deep. The pediment rests on S doric columns (6 in 
front) 5 ft. in diameter and 26 ft. high, built of brick, stuc- 
coed. The design was from drawings of the temple? at Paes- 
tum, near Naples. On the S. are the gardens and conserva- 
tory. In the rear are the kitchens, slave quarters, and stables. 

In the mansion, when occupied by its former possessors, were valuable pictures and 
other objects of historic interest, including two Vandykes, one by Sir Godfrey 
Knelier, painted 1707, representing Col. Parke, a fine engraving of the Death of 
Chatham, by Copely, and of Napier, the inventor of the logarithms, presented by 
the Earl of Buchan, and addressed to " Marshal" General Washington, announc- 
ing that Louis XVI had created the General a Marshal of France; that he might be 
of sufficient rank to command the veteran Count de Rochambeau ; also a d.:ath of 
Wolfe, presented to Washington by West; the Mount Vernon plate, bearing the 
arms and crest of Washington. The bed and bedstead upon which Washington, as 
first President, slept during his whole presidency, and on which he breathed his 
lait. on December 14, 1799; china having the names of the votes of the old Confed- 
eration ; a service also bearing the representation of the Order of the Cincinnati, 
and relics from the home of Washington These were taken away by the family. 

Of original pictures of Washington there were four at Ar- 
lington. The earliest was by Charles Wilson Peale, painted 
in 1772. represented the subject as a provincial colonel; the 
second by Houdon, taken after the Revolution; the third, 
by Madame de Brienne, heads of Washington and La- 



216 FORT WHIPPLE. 

fayette, date about the same as Houdon, and the fourth, a 
profile likeness in crayon, by Sharpless, in 1796. Of other 
originals is the equestrian picture by Trumbull, in 1790, in 
the City Hall, N". Y., and a crayon by Mi-. Williams, from 
sittings in 1794, lost. There are three originals by Stuart, 
the head, a masterpiece, and bust, from which many copies 
have been made, the full length for the Marquis of Lans- 
downe, and one for Mrs. Washington. Ceracci, the sculptor, 
about 1794, executed two busts in marble, one of Washington 
and the other of Hamilton. In 1795 both the elder and the 
younger Peale had sittings. 

Arlington House in its halcyon days was famed for its 
hospitality. The last proprietor, Gen. Lee, came in posses- 
sion through his wife, who was the daughter of Mr. Custis. 
Having gone over to the rebellion against the National Govern- 
ment, and become its military chieftain, the estate, upwards 
of 1,000 a., was abandoned. In 1863 it was sold under the 
confiscation act, and in 1864 was taken possession of by the 
National Government. About 200 a. were set <dpart as a 
National Cemetery for the interment of deceased soldiers of 
the army. The Cemetery was formally established in 1867. 
In the rear and 1. of the mansion is an amphitheatre capable 
of accommodating 5,000 persons, erected in 1873, and designed 
for use in the annual ceremonies observed on decoration "day. 

The grounds were laid out with special reference to the 
purposes in view. The bodies of nearly 16,000 soldiers, from 
many a battle-field in Virginia and the hospitals at the capital, 
here find a fitting resting place. The W. Cemetery is devoted 
to white, and the K. to'colored troops. A short distance S. 
of mansion is a granite sarcophagus, surmounted by cannon 
and balls, in 1866 placed over the grave of 2,111 unknown 
soldiers gathered after the war from the fields of Bull Run 
and the route to the Rappahannock. The carriage entrance 
is on the SE., through a freestone gatewaj'' of composite 
order, erected in 1873. On the frieze are suitable inscrip- 
tions, and over the arch "Here rest 15,585 of the 315,558 
citizens who died in defence of our country from 1861 to 
1865." On the 1. of the road leading from the main gate- 
way towards the river is the once-famous Custis spring. 
In 1850 it was visited from the capital by thousands of resi- 
dents and strangers. The forest which sheltered its limpid 
waters was felled for the uses of the army during the re- 
bellion. 

Port Whipple, reached by the road to the r. soon after 
crossing the Georgetown Aqueduct, lies a short distance NW. 
of Arlington House. It is now a station for the instructiou 



AQUEDUCT AND GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. 217 



of officers and men in army signalling. It was built during 
the rebellion, and constituted portion of the defenses cover- 
ing the Aqueduct and Long Bridge, and the intermediate 
Heights of Arlington. Then it mounted 6 12-lb. Napoleon 
guns and 4 12-lb. howitzers. 

The Aqueduct and Great Falls of the Potomac— One of 
the most interesting excursions out of Washington is the drive 
by the Aqueduct to the Great Falls of the Potomac. 

Table of distances frtm the 
Navy-yard to theGreat Falls : 
From the Navy-yard to the 
E. front of the Capitol, 1% 
m ; to Rock-Creek Bridge, 4 
3-5 m ; College-Pond Bridge, 
fi 5 3-5 m 5 Foundry Branch, 6 
I m ; Pipe Vault Dist. Re*, 
^ 6}/, m ; Influent Gate House, 
I 7 m; Waste Weir, 7^ m ; 
I Gate House Rec. Res., 9 m ; 
1 Wooden Bridge Rec. Res., 9 
I 1-5 m ; Brooks's Road, 9% 
I m ; Cabin John Bridge, 12% 
=a m ; Mountain-Spring Bridge. 
?J 13% m; CulvertNo. 12, 14^ 
I m;*R.oad at RadclifFs, 15% 
m ; Junetion Road, 16 3-5 
m ; Bridge No. 2, 17 1-5 m ; 
Bridge No. 1, 17% m; Ov- 
erfall No. 1, 16 m ; Waste 
Weir No. I, i8J4 m; Great 
Falls Gate House, 18^ m. 

Entering George- 
town from Pennsyl- 
vania av. the Aque- 
duct may be reached by Bridge and Fayette sts., and new 
road to the Distributing Reservoir, a distance of 2 m. 

The water surface of the reservoir is 33 a; capacity, 150,000,000 galls, at depth ol 
II ft., and 300,000,000 galls, at 24 ft ; elevation, 144 ft. above mean tide at the Navy- 
yard. 

From this point the water is carried by iron mains into the city. [See IVater Sup- 
ply, p. 46. j The Aqueduct terminates here, the influent gate-house standing on 
the N W. corner. A 7-ft. Auxiliary Conduit connects the influent and affluent gate- 
houses on the N. which may be used independently of the reservoir. 

The Aqueduct consists of a cylindrical conduit, of 9 ft. in- 
ternal diameter, constructed of stone and brick, laid in hy- 
draulic cement, and covered by an embankment or tunneled 
through the hills, and is carried across the streams by means 
of magnificent bridges, and has a faJl oif 9.} in. to the m. The 
capacity of the conduit, full, is 80 000,000 galls, every 24 hrs. 
The present mains carry olt" 30,000, ^00 galls. ; the consump- 
tion, however, is but 17,000,000. 

From the Distributing Reservoir is a beautiful drive, £ m. 
on the embankment of the Aqueduct, to Receiving Reservoir. 




THE GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. 



218 AQUEDUCT AND GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC. 



The scenery on all sides is romantic in the extreme. On the 1. is the Potomac 
and the Little Falls. The Receiving Reservoir, a natural basin, formed by an em- 
bankment 65 ft. high, across Powder- Mill Creek, retains the water within the en- 
circling arms of the surrounding hills. It has a surface area of 52 a., a greatest 
depth of 5 j ft., and drains 40,000 a. of the adjacent country. The Sluice Tower is 
in the S. end. A conduit extends around the S. side, connecting the Aqueduct, 
without passing through the Receiving Reservoir. The capacity Is 165,000,000 galls. 
The NVV. boundary of the District crosses the Reservoir just beyond the Sluiee 
Tower. The height of water in the Reservoir is controlled by a channel cut in the 
solid rock. The Aqueduct enters through a tunnel 8oo ft. in length, and pierced 
through solid rock. 

Resuming the embankment,. Cabin-John Bridge is reached, 
3 m. distant. 

This magnificent struc- 
ture springs the chasm of 
Cabin-John Creek at a 
height of 10 ( ft. The 
bridge is erected of im- 
mense blocks of granite, 
with Seneca parapets and 
coping, and leaps the ra- 
vine in a single arch of 
210 ft. with Sl x i ft - " se 
from the springing line. 

The bridge is 20 ft. 
wide, and its extreme 
length 420 ft. It cost 
$237,000. This magnifi- 
cent work of art is un- 
equalled in the history of 
bridge building. It is the 
largest stone arch in the 
world ; the second being 
that of the Grovesner 
Bridge, with a span of 200 
ft. which crosses the river 
Dee. One mile above is 
Mountain-Spring Brook, 
crossed by a beautiful el- 
liptical arch of masonry, 
75 ft span. The bridge 
is 200 ft. long, and cost 
$76,000. From this point 
the Aqueduct is conducted by means of 2 tunnels. 

About }V£ m. from the Great Falls a road leads around the hills. Before reaching 
the falls the scenery becomes exceedingly picturesque. The river is divided into 
two channels by Cupid's Bower and Bear Islands, the latter the upper. At the fails 
the river is again formed into two channels by Conn's and Great Falls islands, the 
former the upper, and forms the Maryland and Virginia channels. Across the former 
is a dam of solid masonry, with gate-house and gates. This dam, should there be oc- 
casion, will be extended to the Virginia side. The Government owns the water- 
right, having 5 a. of ground. The dam is faced with massive guards of stone. The 
total water supply of the river is 1,196,019,511 galls, in 24 hrs. At this point the 
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is carried over the Aqueduct. 

At the Great Falls the Potomac breaks through the mountain in a channel nar- 
rowing to 100 yds. in width, and bounded on the Virginia side by perpendicular 
rocks 70 ft. high. The water falls over a series of cascades, making a descent of 80 
ft. in \ x / 2 m., the greatest single pitch being 40 ft. At a distance of 4 m. it widens, 
and its agitated waters quiet into an unbroken current. About 10 m. below, at 
the Little Falls, about 3 m. above Georgetown, the stream makes a deiecni of 37 ft. 
in a series of cascades. Released from the mountains, after passing Georgetown, the 
river widens into the lake-like stream which we have seen in front of Washington. 




CABIN-JOHN BRIDGE. 



COLUMBIAN UNIVERSITY. 219 

There is a fine view of the Falls from either side, the ledges and rugged boulders 
appearing to advantage. Mingling with the wild aspect of nature is the cedar, oak, 
willow, birch, and jessamine. Wild cherries and strawberries in season are found in 
great abundance. The most venomous reptiles abound. The scene in winter is en- 
chanting, great masses of ice piled up on either side, and the rocks and trees frosted 
with spray, form a charming surrounding for the boiling torrent in the channel. 

HlStO^Y' — Surveys for the supply of the city with water were made by Major 
L'Enfant, under the direction of Washington. In 1S50 surveys were made by Col. 
Hughes from the Great Falls and Rock creek. The first ground on the Washington 
Aqueduct was broken by President Pierce on Nov. 8, 1853, in the presence of a large 
assemblage of officials and civilians. The length of pipe line is 18 m. ; number of 
culverts, 26 m. ; tunnels, iz, the longest 1,438 ft. Total, 6,655 ft- Bridges 6, viz, 
cut stone, 4. and iron truss, 2. In Georgetown is a high-service reservoir 120 ft. 
in diameter. The work was commenced by Capt. M. C. Meigs, U. S Corps of 
Engineers, and cost 3,500,000. The Aqueduct is the third in rank in the United 
States. 

Kalorama. — The residence of Joel Barlow, ISOo-'ll, author, 
poet, politician, and diplomat, who died in Poland, 1812, 
stands on the brow of a beautiful hill, NW. of Washington 
and near the Metropolitan horse railway, Georgetown branch, 
at the P st. bridge over Rock Creek. 

About 5 min. Walk from the W. end of the P street bridge, 
is a small brick vault, belonging to the Kalorama estate. 

In the vault are the remains of Judith Baldwin, wife of Joel Barlow, died 1818, 
Henry Baldwin, of Pennsylvania, an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the 
United States, died 1844; Abraham Baldwin, a Senator from Georgia, died 18075 
and George Bomford, Colonel of U. S. Ordnance Corps, died 1848. The body of 
Commodore Decatur was also placed here, Mar. 24, 1820, two days after his fatal 
duel In 1846 Decatur's remains were removed to St. Peter's church burial ground, 
Philadelphia 

Meridian Hill.— 1ST. of the city, at the terminus of 16th st. 
W., so named as being on the meridian of the District of Co- 
lumbia, indicated by the meridian stone, established imme- 
diately W. of the National Washington Monument. It was 
formerly the residence of Commodore Porter. A village is 
now growing upon its commanding site. 

Columbian University, — (Open to visitors.) Occupies' a tine 
site 1ST. of the city; 5 min. walk from the 1ST. terminus of the 
14th st. horse railway ; was incorporated as a college in 1821, 
began 1822, a university 1878. (For Medical and Law De- 
partmrii/s, see page 201. 

The President and Chief Justice of the United States are honorary members of 
the Foard of Trustees and Overseers. The regular course of American universities, 
classicaJ and scientific, is taught. The average number of students, including the 
preparatory school, is 300, from all parts of the United States. The grounds com- 
prise 40 a., and, with the college edifice and other buildings, valued at ^400,000. 
The main building is devoted to class-rooms, chapel, and dormitories. 

Howard University. — (Open to visitors.) Occupies a con- 
spicuous site N. of the city on the r. of the 7th st. road and 
may be reached by horse cars from the N". terminus of 7th 
and 9th sts. horse railways. It was incorporated in 1867 for 
the education of youth, without reference to sex or color. The 
pupHs, however, are almost exclusively colored. 



220 



HOWARD UNIVERSITY. 




The University Building, of patent brick, is 3 stories high, covered with a man- 
sard and tower, and contains philosophical, lecture cud recitation rooms; library, mu- 
seum and offices. On the NJi. is Miner Hall, ladies' dormitories and dining rooms, 
named after Miss Miner, a teacher of colored children in the days of slavery, in the 
District. This lady left $5,000 invested in real estate in Washington ; since sold 
for $40,000, the interest of which is at present devoted to the normal department of 
the Univeisity. To the N. of the latter is the Normal Building, and N. of the main 
building is Clarke Hall, named after David Clarke, of Hartford, Conn., a gentleman 
of large benevolence and a liberal friend to the University. These halls accommo- 
date 300 students. There are also residences for the professors. The grounds com- 
prise 35 a. Total value of property, $600,000. A short distance S. is the Medical 
Department and Freedmens Hospital, rented and managed under the Interior De- 
partment. 



WAYLAND SEMINARY. 



221 




Oapitcl Spring.— To the NE. of the Howard University is 
Smith's Spring, the waters of which were conducted in pipes 
to the Capitofin 1830. (See Capitol Grounds.) 

Waylaud Seminary.- (0/w> to visitors.) Occupies a com- 
manding position 1ST .'of the city on Meridian Hill, about lOwwn. 
walk N.°W. from the N. terminus of the 14th St. horse rail- 

SS The Institution was founded in 1S65 by the Baptist church for the education of 
colored preachers and teachers. The building, which .3 of brick, three stones high, 
-with basement, Mansard and lofty tower, was erected in 1S73- 4, cost »J5,°°°> 
paid out of voluntary contributions, and will accommodate zoo students. The 



222 



SOLDIERS HOME. 



work was done by colored, labor. The Seminary is one of the seven schools in the 
South, established and fostered by the American Baptist Home Mission Society. 
It is not yet in full operation in the new building. 




^=^=-^^^g^SS^^^^ 



WAYJ.ANP SKMINATJT. 



Soldiers' Home, (grounds open everyday, except Sunday,)Vtes 
about 3 m. IN", of the Capitol. It is one of the most attractive 
drives around the city. It may be readied by pedestrians 
from the "toll-gate" on the 7th-st. road, which point is ac- 
cessible by the 7th-st. and Silver Spring horse cars, the latter 
being a continuation of the former, though a separate line. 

The original site consisted of about 200 a., since ex- 
tended to 500 a. by purchases, including Hare wood, the seat 
of W. W. Corcoran. The grounds are laid out in meadows, 
lakes, and 7 m. of beautiful drives. The main building, the 
dormitory, is of marble, Norman in design, and measures 
200 ft. front. In the rear is a wing of 60 ft., used for a mess 



GRAVE OF MAJOR PETER CIIAKjuES L ENFANT. 223 



room. On the lawn are a flag-statF and cannon. On the 
E. of the main building is an additional dormitory, (lie sta- 
bles, conservatory, and fruit garden. On the W. is the Riggs 

homestead, now the 
hospital, and near by 
the quarters of the 
governor and officers 
of the institution. S. 
of this is the sur- 
geon's residence. 
SE .of the main build- 
ing is a beautiful Sen- 
eca stone chapel, fin- 
ished in 1871, and 
gardener's lodge. In 
the distance S. is the 
new hospital, a com- 
modious brick struc- 
ture, and the build- 
ings close by are used 
by the farmer. The 
Home was first open- 
ed in 1851, and has 
The soldiers ke.p the 
The Home was the 




sou.:n; > homi-:, main i;uii.dikq. 



accommodations for 400 inmates. 

roads in order and perform police duty. 

favorite summer residence of Presidents Pierce, Buchanan, 

and Lincoln. 

On the brow of the hill, ] m.W. of S. of the main building, 
raised on a granite pedestal, and facing the Capital, stands 
a statue of General Wrnfiehl Scott, at the time of his conquest 
of Mexico, by Launt Thompson, 1873, bronze, 10 ft. high, 
cast by P. Woods & Co., Philadelphia, Penna. Cost $18,000. 
Erected in 1S74 by the Home. Through General Scott the 
Home was founded. From the site may be had an excellent 
view. 

In 1S51 Congress appropriated out of the Treasury $118,791, the balance of £300,- 
cco pillage money levied on the city of Mexico by General VVinfield Scott, to go to 
the founding of a Military Asylum or Soldiers 1 Home. This fund was increased by 
forfeitures, stoppages, and fines against soldiers, and a tax of 25 now 12 cts. a month 
on each private soldier of the regular army. The Home was for the benefit of the 
regulars and volunteers who served in Mexico, and now is for the privates of the 
regular army, they alone contributing for its support. Pensioners surrender their 
pensions while at the Home. 

Grave of Major Peter Charles L'Enfant, the designer, of the 
plan of Washington, at Green Hill, the country seat of 
George W. Riggs, on the early manor of Chillain Castle, 
now Prince George's county, Maryland, is about 7 in. N,E. 
of Washington. The grave is in the garden, the burial ground 
of the. Digges family, the previous proprietors. The latter 
have been removed. The grave is without a marked stone- 



224 ROCK-GREEK CHURCH. 

Major L'Enfant was born in France about 1755. He was a 
subordinate officer in the French service. In 1778 he was 
made a captain of engineers in the Continental army. His 
gallantry and ability, displayed especially at Savannah, at- 
tracted the attention of Washington. In 1783 he was pro- 
moted to major. In March, 1791, he was ordered to George- 
town to join Mr. Ellicott, the chief surveyor, with instructions 
"to draw the site of the federal town and buildings." Not 
sharing in the practical views of the commissioners, who 
desired copies of his plan for circulation, as an inducement 
to purchasers of lots, a controversy sprung up, which was 
aggravated by some high-handed measures, chiefly an attempt 
to demolish the residence of Mr. Carroll, one of the commis- 
sioners, which interfered with the execution of his plan on 
the ground. These resulted in his dismissal, after a brief 
service of one year. In 1794 he was employed on Fort Mif- 
flin, below Philadelphia. It is said he was offered, in 1812, 
a professorship of engineers at West Point. The last days 
of his life were spent around Washington. He found a home 
on the farm of Mr. Digges, and died in the summer of 1825, 
at the advanced age of 70 years. His remains still moulder 
beneath the sod where the kind hand of charity laid them. 

Rock- Greek Church and Cemetery. — {Church services, Epis- 
copal, every Sabbath cd 11 a. m., and Cemetery open every day, 
except Sunday.) — The cemetery lies contiguous to the Sol- 
diers' Home on the iST., and is easy of access from the horse 
cars on the 7th-st. road. It comprises about one-half of the 
glebe, 100 a., the gift of John Bradford, about 1719. The 
church, which lies on the W., properly St. Paul's Episcopal 
Church, Rock-creek Parish, was erected in 1719, rebuilt in 
1775, and remodeled in 1868. The bricks were imported from 
England. The main walls are the same as erected in 1719. 
The bible used is an Oxford edition of 1727. Immediately 
around the church are a number of old graves, marked by 
rude stones, and over them stands a venerable oak, the out- 
spreading branches of which cover an area of 126 ft. in diam- 
eter. The oldest monuments are E. of the church, of the 
Gramphin family, 1775. In this cemetery is the grave of Pe- 
ter Force, with a fine monument. 

National Military Cemetery, (open from sunrise to sunset,) 
lies N. of and adjoins the Soldiers' Home, and E. of Rock- 
Creek Cemetery. It was established in 1861, and contains 
5,424 interments : known 5145, unknown 279, and Confeder- 
ates 271. There are a fine keeper's lodge and conservatory. 
Adjoining, on the N"., is the Cemetery of the Soldiers' Home. 



BLADENSBURG. 225 

Glenwood Cemetery, {open every day except Sunday,) l) £ 
m. N. of the Capitol, is situated at the head of Lincoln av., 
reached from the Columbia st. -railway at N. Capitol St., dis- 
tance 1 m. It was incorporated in 1854, and contains 90 a. 
The grounds are beautifully laid out in drives and walks. 
The public vault is a fine structure. Amos Kendall, 
Postmaster General 1835-'40 is buried here. Outside the 
gateway are Prospect Hill Cemetery, 17 a., incorporated in 
1860, St. Mary's (Roman Catholic) Burying Ground, 3 a. 

Bladensburg, a post-village of Prince George's co., Md., 
lies 6 m. N. E. of Washington, on the Baltimore railroad 
and turnpike. It was founded about 1750, and named 
after Martin Blanden,one of the Lords' Commissioners of 
Trade and Plantations. Before the Revolution it was a 
place of some commercial and agricultural importance. 
In those days the Anacostia, upon which it stands, ad- 
mitted of navigation to the town. Over the stream was 
the bridge, and W. the field of the disastrous battle of Au- 
gust 24, 1814, which opened Washington to the enemy, 
and gave the name of Bladensburg a place in history. On 
the open ground was the position bravely defended by 
Commodore Barney and his gallant soldiers and marines. 

About i m. S. E. of the village, on the turnpike, was the notorious " duelling 
gronnd." The District line runs through the valley, thus enabling parties 
from the District and Virginia to pass into Maryland. The most painful of 
all duels fought here was that between Commodores Decatur, the hero of the 
Algerine war, and Barron, in 1820, in which the former was mortally wounded. 
The spot was the scene of many other duels, but not of late years. The duel 
between Henry Clay and John Randolph of Roanoke, in 1826, took place on 
the Virginia shore of the Potomac river, near Washington. 

Near Bladensburg, a short distance from the turnpike, stood the family man- 
sion of George Calvert, the lineal descendant of the Baron of Baltimore. 

Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and 
National Deaf-Mute College, (open every day except Sun- 
day,) entrance at N. end of 7th st. E.. also W. end M st. 
N. ; 10 minutes from Columbia horse R. R. The grounds, 
known as " Kendall Green," were previously the home 
of Amos Kendall, Postmaster General of the United States 
1835-'40. The first portion occupied was but a few acres 
and a small building, presented by Mr. Kendall. Sub- 
sequently, 25 acres were purchased, and in 1872 the entire 
estate of 100 acres. The grounds and buildings were 
vested in the United States as trustee. 

The institution, incorporated in 1857, has since been sustained by Co»gress 
as the institution where Government heneficianes, viz., deaf-mute children of 
the District of Columbia, and of the army and navy, should receive free edu- 
cation. A collegiate department was organized in 1864 by Congress, and U 
named the National Deaf-Mute College. Both are open to both sexes. 



226 



DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM. 




VHE DEAF AND DUMB. 



The main central building, dedicated in 1871, was the gift 
of the Government. It is a fine specimen of the pointed 
Gothic architecture of the 14th century. It is 216 by 76 ft., 
and is faced on all sides with Connecticut brown-stone, in- 
terspersed with courses of white Ohio sandstone, and cov- 
ered with roofs of red and blue slate," laid in patterns and 
courses. 

The main entrance" is under a recessed porch, formed by 
three pointed arches of alternate brown and white sandstone 
blocks, supported by double sets of dwarf columns of highly 
polished Scotch granite, with brown-stone bases and carved 
white sandstone capitals. This porch is paved with white 
and black marble tiles, and surmounted by an angular pedi- 
ment containing a carved half-relief figure of the Ameri- 
can eagle, with the stars and stripes on the shield over its 
breast. 

From this porch leads a small vestibule at either end into 
the main hall, or chapel, a room 56 ft. square and 38 ft. high, 
with a paneled ceiling of light and dark colored wood, with 
massive brackets, cornice, and panel mouldings, the walls be- 
ing frescoed in delicate tints in plain panels. The walls, to 
about 8 ft. from the floor, are protected by a paneled wain- 
scot, painted in strong party colors, with the pulpit, platform, 
and front, and folding-doors to match. The room is lighted 
by ten large stained-glass windows. 

Adjoining on' the E., and separated from the chapel by 
eight sliding doors 15 ft. high and 27 ft. wide, is the lecture 
room. Over the sliding doors is a solid white sandstone arch 



MOUNT OLIVET CEMETERY. -'-< 

of 27 ft. span, springing from light stone columns with carved 
capitals. The lecture room is about 30 by 40 ft. in size, with 
a raised floor. 

The remainder of the E. wing on this floor is occupied by 
a large dining-hall, or refectory, for the pupils of the primary 
department, with its corridors and stairs ; and with kitchens, 
bakery, and store-rooms in the basement below, and large 
dormitories in the attic above. 

The W. wing contains a large dining-hall for the students 
of the college, with its pantries and store-rooms. In the hall 
of this wing a stairway affords access to the tower. In the 
basement under this wing is an extensive laundry, steam- 
drying rooms, and store-rooms, while the basement under 
the chapel contains the fuel and boiler rooms. 

In the chapel is a line plaster cast of Abbe de l'Epee, taken 
from his tomb in the old church of Saint Roch, Paris ; also 
one of Abbe Sicard. The former, about the year 1760, de- 
veloped and applied the system of communication for deaf 
mutes by means of natural signs. Abbe Sicard subsequently 
perfected the system. There is also a portrait of the Rev. 
Thomas H. Gallaudet, formerly principal of the American 
Asylum at Hartford, Connecticut. That gentleman was sent 
abroad to acquire the system of instruction by natural signs. 
He chose the French system, now in use by the Institution 
and College, and also generally throughout the United States. 
The E. building is occupied by the primary department, 
and contains several school rooms, chapel, library, reception 
parlor, private rooms of instructors, and dormitory for boys, 
and another in a remote part of the building for girls. The 
W. building is used by the College. In the rear and W. of 
the main central building is the finished wing of a dormitory 
for College students. The value of the property is $350,000. 

Mount Olivet Cemetery (open every day) lies on the 1. of 
the Columbia turnpike, % m. 1ST. of the E. terminus of the 
Columbia horse railway. It comprises 70 a. It was incor- 
porated in 18G2, in the names of the parish priests of the 
four Roman Catholic churches of Washington. The grounds 
are well laid out, and shaded with oak and evergreens. 
Father Matthews, one of the earliest priests who arrived in 
the city after its occupation by the Government, is buried 
here, also Lieut. Col. Garesche, A. A. G. to General Rose- 
cranz, killed at Murfreesboro, 1862 ; Mrs. Surratt, executed 
for complicity in the assassination of President Lincoln ; and 
Wirz, the keeper of the Andersonville prison pen for na- 
tional soldiers during the rebellion, 1861-'65, and executed 
in Washington at its close. The entrance to the cemetery 



228 GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE. 

is at the SE. corner on the Columbia turnpike, where there 
is a neat superintendent's residence. 

Graceland Cemetery {open from sunrise to sunset) is situated 
immediately outside the E. limits of the city, at the terminus 
of the Columbia 7ior.se railway. The cemetery was opened 
in 1872, and comprises about 40 a. 

Eeform School of the District of Columbia occupies a com- 
manding site on the S. side of the Washington and Baltimore 
turnpike, 2 m. from the E. terminus of the Columbia horse 
railway. The school, which is for boys only, was established 
by Congress in 1866, and is under the supervision of the 
Department of Justice. It was first located on the Govern- 
ment farm, on the Aqueduct road, 4 m. above Georgetown, 
but owing to the unheal thiness of that section was, in 1871, 
removed to its present situation. The farm comprises 150 a. 
The buildings stand on Lincoln's Hill, so-called from the 
fort of that name in the defenses of Washington during the 
rebellion, and which crowned the hill. They are 230 ft. 
above the Anacostia, which runs in the rear, and command 
a view of four railroads, portions of Washington, the National 
Insane Asylum, the Soldiers' Home, Bladensburg, the Mary- 
land State Agricultural School, and a vast sweep of country 
into Maryland and Virginia. 

The main building is occupied by the superintendent, 
boys' dining room, chapel, library, and reflecting room. The 
reception room for strangers is on the 1. of the main entrance. 
On either side of the main building are two detached wings, 
occupied by the assistants, and as school and dormitories. 
The boys divide their time in the school and shops. The 
boys are kept till reformed or their majority. The buildings 
and grounds will be greatly improved. 

Zoological Society was incorporated in 1870, with authority 
to import animals free of duty, and granting the free use of 
water from the Aqueduct. The site secured for the purpose 
comprises 20 a., lies about \ m. SE. of the E. terminus of 
the Columbia horse railway, and extends to the Anacostia. 
On the ground is Gibson's spring, which will be converted 
into fish ponds. During the rebellion, 1861-'6o, a pipe from 
this spring supplied the cavalry and infantry camps estab- 
lished in the adjacent valley and on the neighboring hills. 

Government Hospital for the Insane, {visiting days, Wednes- 
days, from 2 to 6 p. m.) This institution, on the S. bank of 



ALEXANDRIA. 229 

the Anacostia, is accessible from the Navy-yard terminus of 
the Pennsylvania av. street cars, across the bridge at the foot 
of 11th St. E., and by the high road ascending the hill toward* 
the r., which passes the gate. The village at the S. end of 
the bridge is known as Uniontoion. The distance from the 
horse cars to the Asylum is about 2 m. The institution is 
for the use of the army and navy and District of Columbia, 
and embraces indigent and independent patients. The gen- 
eral supervision is under the Secretary of the Interior, and 
it is supported by the National Government. The home 
tract, 185 a., is inclosed by a wall 9 ft. high. Subsequent 
additions, however, have increased the estate to 419 a., which 
is cultivated for the benefit of the institution, and which fur- 
nishes occupation for many of the patients. The commodious 
structure is of brick, occupies the crest of the range of hills 
overlooking the mouth of the Anacostia, and consists of a 
centre, with connecting ranges and receding wings, with 
buttresses, iron window hoods, and an embattled parapet. 
The centre is four stories, and the wings three and four 
stories. The building is 750 ft. long. There are accommo- 
dations for 550 patients, though the number generally ex- 
ceeds 600. The W. wing is devoted to males and the E. to 
females. The centre contains the residence of the superin- 
tendent and staff officers, dispensary, and chapel. There 
are six billiard tables for patients. In the basement are the 
kitchen, store-rooms, &c. There are two buildings in the 
rear for colored patients; also gas works, machine shops, 
barn, and stables. The institution was opened in 1855. 
Prior to that time the insane under the care of the Govern- 
ment were sent to Baltimore. 

Alexandria. — This city, originally called Bellhaven, stands 
in Virginia, on the r. bank of the Potomac river, at the con- 
fluence of that stream and Hunting Creek, 7 m. S. of Wash- 
ington. The boats of the Washington and Alexandria ferry, 
from the foot of 7th street W., reached by horse cars, run 
every hour from G a. in. to 7 p. m., on Sunday from 9 a. nr. 
Single fare 15 cts.. round trip 25 cts. The steam cars leave 
at the same intervals from 6 a. m. to 8 p. m. from the depot 
on 6th st., S. of Pennsylvania av. The city is picturesquely 
situated on the side of a range of low hills, and is surrounded 
by a fertile and well-cultivated country. The town was 
founded in 1748. In 1755 five colonial governors met here in 
connection with Braddock's expedition, which started her.-. 
In the earl}- colonial days it was the rival of Baltimore in 
commerce, but superior advantages and other facilities at- 
tractive of trade soon advanced the metropolis of Maryland 



230 ALEXANDRIA. 

bej r ond the successful rivalry of the quaint Virginia town on 
the Potomac. 

During the Revolution it was a point of great strategic im- 
portance. The British General Gage, in 1776, from Pitts- 
burg, in co-operation with Earl Dunmore's fleet from the 
sea, planned an attack on the town, designing, by holding 
this position, to cut oft" communication between the N. and 
S. armies. The expedition, however, was not carried out. 
Washington always took a great interest in the welfare of 
the place. Among other evidences of this affection he be- 
queathed £1,000 for the benefit of a free school here. 

During the invasion of the British, on Aug. 28, 1814, after 
Fort Warburton, (Washington,) below, had been blown up 
and abandoned without firing a gun, the town surrendered to 
the British squadron. Five days after the enemy's vessels 
left with 16,000 bbls. of flour, 1,000 hhds. of tobacco, and 
other property, including -3 ships and some river craft. 

The city and county were included in the original survey 
of the District of Columbia, but in 1846, with all that part 
on the W. side of the Potomac, was rctroceded to Virginia. 

About 1 m. SE. of the city, on the point of a small pen- 
insula formed by the junction of Hunting creek and the 
Potomac, is the initial point of the original boundaries of the 
District of Columbia. 

In the court of the Mansion House, on Fairfax St., is an old 
structure known as Washington' 's Headquarters, having been 
occupied, it is said, by the General when in Alexandria. At 
the intersection of Washington and Cameron sts. is Christ 
Episcopal Church, commenced in 1765 and finished in 1773, 
built of bricks imported from England. The interior has 
been renovated of late years; though some of the wood-work 
about the chancel is old. The principal interest is associated 
with the fact that Washington was a member of the vestry of 
this church. His pew was jSTo. 59, on the 1. of the 1. aisle. A 
little back is pew No. 46, used by Robert E. Lee, General of 
the Confederate forces, who came here from Arlington to 
worship. Marble tablets on the 1. and r. of the chancel have 
been placed in the walls to their memory. In the church- 
yard the oldest tombstone is 1771. The city hall, market- 
house, and masonic hall occupy a fine building. Near the 
city is a National Cemetery, which contains the remains of 
3,635 soldiers of the rebellion. 

A branch of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal connects the 
city with Georgetown. The river in front is 1 m. wide. The 
shipping of the place amounts to about 182 vessels; sail, 
steam, and unrigged, 8,210 tons. The principal exports are 
tobacco, corn, and coal. It also has railroad communication 



MOUNT VERNON. 



231 



with the N. and S. A new line, to connect with the Balti- 
more and Ohio Kailroad at Bladensburg, is now being built, 
and will cross the Potomac at this point. The population is 
13,570. 

Motint Vernon, steamer daily, except Sunday, at 10 a. m., 

^^P= - = from the foot of 7th st. W., reached 

by horse-cars, fare $1.50 round trip, 

g|^ to include admission to the grounds. 

ilj ^^^^SB z- Distance, 15 m. Return 4 p. m. 

P g^S Leaving - the wharf, the boat runs 
^jj^jjgjj| jjjjj|i^ close to the shore, and along the 
l!i Arsenal grounds, at the foot of 
which the Anacostia enters the Po- 
tomac. The village on the r. is 
Uniontown, and on the hill is the 
National Insane Asylum. On the 
1. is the Navy Yard. On the S. 
point of the river is Giesboro' . Dur- 
ing the rebellion a large number of 
cavalry horses were kept here for 
the supply of the army. During a 
stampede on one occasion over 1000 
were drowned in the river. The 
steamer now directs her course to- 
wards Alexandria, 6 m. below. Af- 
ter leaving Alexandria, the steamer 
passes Jones's point on the r. A 
lighthouse stands on the point at 
the location of the initial stone of the 
the mansion. boundaries of the District, planted 

in 1791. The lines extend NE. and KW. Hunting creek 
here enters the Potomac. The steamer next touches at 
Fort Foote, an earthwork on the Maryland shore. Broad 
creek enters below. The next landing is at Fort Washington, 
on the same side. This is an old work, mounting guns in 
casemate and barbette. On the high ground opposite the 
first view of the home of Washington may be had. The 
road from the wharf leads to the vault within which is the 
marble sarcophagus containing the remains of General George 
Washington. By the side is another with the simple inscrip- 
tion, Martha, the consort of Washington* who died May 21, 
1801, aged 71 years. The obelisk on the v. approaching is to 
Bushrod Washington, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court 
of the United States, a nephew of General Wasliington, and 
to whom Mount Vernon was bequeathed, died 1820. That 
on the 1. is to John Augustine Washington, to whom Mount 




232 



MOUNT VERNON. 



Vernon was bequeathed b3^ Judge Bushrod Wasliington, died 
1832. The path to the r. leads towards the mansion. On 
the 1. is the vault in which the remains of Washington were 
first placed. 

The Mansion front* NW., the rear looking- toward the river. 
It is of wood, cut in imitation of stone, and 96 ft. in length, 
surmounted by a cupola. The centre was built by Lawrence 
Washington, brother to the General; the wings were added 
by the General . It is named after Admiral Vernon, in whose 
expedition Lawrence Washington served. The house and 
grounds, 6 a., as far as practicable, are as left by Washing- 
ton. 

The Mount Vernon Ladies'' Association of the Union, incor- 
porated in 185G, purchased the mansion and contiguous 

grounds. In the hall is the key to 
the Bastile, presented to Washing- 
ton by Lafayette after the destruc- 
tion of that French prison, 1789. 
In the E. parlor are interesting 
relics of Washington — a dress, 
sword, spy-glass, water buckets, 
tripod. In the dining hall are 
portraits of Washington in 1786, a 
copv from Trumbull, and a copv 
from Stuart, 1795. The mantel 
was carved in Italy and presented. 
In this room is the great painting 
of Washington before Yorktown, by 
Rembrandt Peale. He is repre- 
sented as accompanied by Generals 
Lafayette, Hamilton, Knox, Lin- 
coln, and Itochambeau, and giving 
orders to commence the entrench- 
ments before Yorktow n. In the 
W. parlor is an old painting repre- 
senting the attack on Carthagena, 
Admiral V e r n o n commandi ng, 
1741, and Washington's holsters 
and camp equipage, also a globe. 
In the second story, at the head of 
room. The room in which Wash- 
ington died, December 14, 1799, is at the S. end of the build- 
ing on this floor. It is a small apartment. The bed is that 
on which he rested. There is a fine view of the surround- 
mg country from the cupola. On the r. of the mansion 
feeing Use lawn are the servants' hall, gardener's lodge, a 
modern building, and the spinning and weaving house. On 




OK AVE OF WASHINGTON". 

the stairs, is Lafayette's 



DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON. 233 

fche same side is the garden laid out by Washington. On the 
N. side are conservatories which replaced the old ones con- 
sumed by lire. The ruins of the old servants' quarters are 
near by. On the opposite side of the lawn are the family 
kitchen, butler's house, smoke house, and laundry, and in 
the rear of all the stables. On the lawn are several ash and 
and a magnolia tree planted by Washington. 

Defenses of Washington. — The inauguration of actual hos- 
tilities by the bombardment of Fort Sumter, April 12, 1.'!, 
18U1, warned the National Government of the necessity of 
measures of protection. One of the first thoughts was the 
security of the Nation's Capital. The hastily-improvised first 
defensive preparations;, after some squeamish hesitation about 
invading a State, were seconded by occupying the S. shore of 
the Potomac, and holding the debouches into Virginia. This 
was necessitated by the proximity of Arlington Heights, from 
which the enemy's artillery could shell the city. On the night 
of May 23, 1861, the army, in three columns, crossed the 
Potomac, one, under Major Wood, b} r the Georgetown Aque- 
duct; another, under Major (General) Heintzelman, by the 
Long Bridge; and the third, under Colonel Ellsworth, by 
water to Alexandria. Fort Corcoran, a trte-rfe-pont, was 
commenced before daylight, and, with its auxiliary works, 
Forts Bennett and Haggerty and rifle trenches, around the 
head of the Aqueduct, Forts Eunyon, on the lowland — a teie- 
de-pont — and Albany, on Arlington Heights, covering our 
debouches from the Long Bridge, and Fort .'.Ellsworth, on 
Shuter's Hill, back of Alexandria, formed the basis of the 
line S. of the Potomac. By the time of the advance of 
McDowell's army, seven weeks, these works were nearly 
completed. 

The Bull Run disaster made it apparent that a protracted 
war was inevitable. The Heights of Arlington were effect- 
ively fortified by intermediate works, and, with Fort Itun- 
yon, formed a " conrovve." covering the bridge and heights. 
These works were preliminary and auxiliary to that line of 
impregnable fortifications which later encircled the Capital. 
The system of works, constituting and appropriately desig- 
nated the Defenses of Washington, were divided into four 
groups. 1. Those St of the Potomac, commencing with Fort 
Lyon, below Alexandria, and terminating witli Fort De- 
Kalb, (Strong,) opposite Georgetown. 2. Those of the Chain 
Bridge. 3. Those N. of the Potomac, between that rivet 
and the Anacostia, commencing with Fort Sumner and ter- 
minating with Fort Lincoln. 4. Those S. of the Anacostia, 
commencing with Foil Mahan and terminating with Fort 



234 DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON. 

Greble, nearly opposite Alexandria. The perimeter, from 
Fort Lyon to Fort Greble, was 33 m., and, including the in- 
terval across the Potomac, between Greble and Lyon, a total 
of 37 m. At the close of hostilities, in April, 1865, the De- 
fenses consisted of 68 inclosed forts and batteries and em- 
placements, for 1,120 guns, 807 of which, and 98 mortars, 
were actually mounted : 93 unarmed batteries for field guns, 
having 401 emplacements, and 20 m. of rifle-trenches, and 3 
block houses. There were also 32 m. of specially-constructed 
military roads. 

In 1864 the garrisons S. of the Potomac consisted of one 
division, under General DeRussy, four brigades, under 
Colonels Tidball, Tannatt, Abbott, and Schirmer — 11,011 
men; 1ST. of the Potomac, one division, under Lieutenant 
Colonel Haskin, aid-de-camp, with three brigades, under 
Colonels Morris, Gibson, and Piper — 18,863 men. To pre- 
vent a sudden dash, the minor roads were obstructed by 
abattis and stockades. The fords of the Potomac above and 
the S. front were picketed with cavalry. An infantry divis- 
ion lay towards Bull Run, and infantry pickets were stationed 
on the N. front. A provost guard of 1,77.6 men, under General 
Martindale, were on duty in Washington, and 1,090 men, 
under General Slough, in Alexandria. At the artillery depot 
at Camp Barry were 2,000 men and 17 batteries. 

The garrisons varied hi numbers, yet the over-sensitiveness 
of the Government, respecting the safety of the Capital, con- 
stantly required the presence of a large force. The exigen- 
cies of the service in the field, however, on several occasions 
necessitated a reduction. 

The efforts of Gen. Grant, in 1864, to overwhelm Lee had 
caused the withdrawal of the well-trained artillerists, and 
their places were filled by new levies. As an oifset to the 
vigorous movements of the Army of the Potomac, Early 
made his demonstration upon Washington. A brisk engage- 
ment took place at Rockville, 16 m. from Washington. On 
July 11, with 20,000 men, he appeared before Fort Stevens, 
on the 7th-st. road. The pickets retired, and the guns of 
Fort Stevens, Slocum, and DeRussy opened and checked the 
enemy, who retired the following night. 

The ruins of the now dismantled and deserted Defenses of 
Washington may yet be seen on almost every eminence in 
the vicinity of the city. During their use they accomplished 
an important work. They saved the nation from further ca- 
lamities after Bull Run, when the enemy was in sight on 
Munson Hill, and from attack after the failures of McClel- 
lan's campaign against Richmond, and the retreat of Pope, 
in 1862. It is to be hoped the hand of fratricidal strife may 
never ao-ain revive the sad work. 



SECTION VI. 
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 




^sf^^jHE first attempt to explore the Chesapeake and 
Jfnrs?" its tributaries was 



ras made in 1608, by Captain John 
Smith, from the Jamestown settlement. He left an 
interesting narrative of his discoveries. He speaks 
of the "Patawomeke " as 6 or 7 m. in breadth, and 
navigable 140 m. The Indian name was Cohongu- 
roton, or river of swans. The shores of the great bay and 
river had a large aboriginal population, not less than forty 
tribes, members of the numerous and warlike Algonquin 
family, who lived by fishing, the cultivation of maize, and 
warring upon their neighbors. The point of the tongue of 
land now occupied by the Arsenal was the seat of the council 
fire. The Manahoacks occupied the lands between the rivers, 
but about 1669, after a severe war with the Powhatans, were 
overcome, and fled to the West, where they joined the Tus- 
caroras. 

In 1634. Henry Fleet, with a party of Calvert's settlers, vis- 
ited the falls of the Potomac. In 1663, a tract of land 400 a., 
called Room, (Rome,) was laid out for Francis Pope, gentle- 
man, on the east side of the Anacostian river, and to the 
mouth of the Tiber. Another tract, of 500 a., for Captain 
Robert Troop, called Scotland Yard, was laid out adjoining 
on the same date. The lands of the western portion of the 
city, called "The Widow's Mite," 600 a., were laid out in 
1681 for William Lang worth. All were in Charles county, 
province of Maryland. 

In 1790-'91, Daniel Carroll owned the lands on the Ana- 
costia, Notley Young, in the forks of the river and to the 
northward, and David Burns on the west, towards George- 
town. On the bank of the river, east of the Observatory, 
was a settlement called Hamburg, previously Funkstown. 
On the Anacostia, a short distance above the Arsenal, was 
Carrollsburg. The arable lands were tilled, and produced 
wheat, tobacco, and maize. 
On April 30, 1783, nineteen days after the proclamation of 

(235) 



236 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

a cessation of hostilities between the late British Colonies in 
North America and the mother country, the subject of a per- 
manent capital for the general government of the United 
States of America was incidentally alluded to in Congress. 
In March, 1783, the legislature of New York offered to cede 
the town of Kingston as a place of permanent meeting. 
Shortly after, Maryland tendered Annapolis for the same 
purpose; also $180,000 if selected. 

A proposition by a prominent gentleman was the location 
of the capital, for a term of thirteen years, at some of the 
growing western settlements, such as Detroit, Louisville, 
Kaskaskia, St. Vincent's, and Sandusky; stating that "an 
amazing value would be added to that important territory ; " 
that it would "accelerate the rapidity of its settlement and 
population," and at about twelve cents an acre would extin- 
guish the national debt; that Congress should assume plen- 
ary jurisdiction over a compass of twenty miles square ; should 
form a government "on the most perfect plan of modern re- 
finement; " in place of certificates, should award the lands in 
the vicinity "to those brave officers and men who served in 
the late glorious war." These, Spartan-like, it was expected, 
would form "an impregnable bulwark against the natives," 
or any other dangers. Williamsburg, the old capital of Vir- 
ginia, was offered at the same time. 

On October 6, 1783, Congress voted upon the selection of 
a State, as they existed at that time, beginning with New 
Hampshire, and proceeding in order southward. New Jersey 
and Maryland received the highest number of votes, but no 
choice was made. The next da3 r , on a resolution by Eldridge 
Gerry, the location of the "Federal City " was voted on or 
near the falls of the Delaware, near Trenton, and a commit- 
tee of five was appointed to examine the locality and report. 
On October 21 following, the erection of buildings was author- 
ized at or near the lower falls of the Potomac or Georgetown, 
and a committee was appointed to examine and report on that 
site. Two localities were now provided for, and meanwhile 
Congress was to meet alternately at Trenton and Annapolis. 

The inconvenience of two capitals was soon demonstrated. 
The Delaware committee reported favorably, and that for the 
Potomac unfavorably on that location, though they thought 
better of a site above Georgetown, or 1J in. below, at Funks- 
town. On December 20, 1784, it was decided inexpedient to 
erect buildings at more than one place. On December 23 
three commissioners were appointed to lay out a district of 
not less than two nor more than 3 m. square, on either side 
of the Delaware, within 8 m. above or below the falls. 

Commissioners. — 1791-'94, Thomas Johnson, Mel.; 1791-'9o, 



HISTOR. OF WASHINGTON. 237 

Daniel Carroll, Md. ; 1701-94, David Stuart, Va. ; 1794-1800, 
Gustavus Scott, Md. ; 1794-1802, William Thornton, Penn. ; 
1795-1802, Alexander White, Md. ; 1800, William Cranch, 
Md. ; 1800-1802, Tristram Dalton, Md. 

The Constitution of the United States, 1787, gave Congress 
the power "to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases what- 
soever over such district, not exceeding- 10 m. square, as may, 
by cession of particular States and the acceptance of Con- 
gress, become the seat of the Government of the United 
States." * * * (Art. I, Sec. 8.) 

The first session of Congress of the United States of Amer- 
ica, assembled under the Constitution, was called upon to 
enter into this question, confronted by a stronger evidence of 
sectional spirit than had hitherto been exhibited. Resolutions 
from the legislatures of States, besides numerous petitions 
and memorials, were presented, urging certain localities, and 
frequently offering great inducements. Districts of 10 m. 
square, with the right to exercise exclusive jurisdiction, were 
offered to Congress for the seat of Government by acts of the 
General Assemblies of Maryland in December, 1788, Penn- 
sylvania in September, 1789, and Virginia in December, 1789. 
As an additional inducement, Virginia^ offered $120,000, and 
Maryland $72,000. Pennsylvania, in her grant, excepted 
Philadelphia, the district of Southwark, and part of the 
Northern Liberties. Petitions were also received from the 
inhabitants of Trenton, in New Jersey; Lancaster, Wright's 
Ferry, York, Carlisle, Harrisburg, Reading, and German- 
town, in Pennsylvania, and Baltimore and Georgetown, in 
Maryland. All expressed their willingness to come under the 
aegis of Congress and the Constitution, and pictured in glow- 
ing colors the advantages of climate and scenery, and conve- 
niences of access which their respective localities possessed. 
The newspapers of the day frequently took a humorous view 
of this patriotic competition, and in prose and verse gave vent 
to considerable good-natured sentiment. 

In the second session the Capital question was again agi- 
tated, and Baltimore, Wilmington, the Delaware, German- 
town, between the Potomac and the Susquehanna, were all 
urged ; but the act establishing the temporary Seat of Govern- 
ment at Philadelphia, from the first Monday in December, 
1790, and the permanent on the river Potomac, between the 
mouths of the Eastern Branch (Anacostia) and Conogo- 
cheague, a tributary of the upper Potomac, to be ready for 
the sessions of Congress by the first Monday in December, 
1800, was finally passed, and approved by Washington July 
16, 1790. In the Senate it received 14 yeas and 12 nays, and 
in the House 32 yeas and 29 nays. The immediate settle- 



238 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

ment was effected as a compromise with the advocates of a 
fiscal measure known as the assumption of the State debts. 
The majority of the votes of the Middle States going with 
the South, gave the majority for the Potomac, 

The Legislature of Virginia, in December, 1790, appropri- 
ated the $120,000 previously offered, payable, in three annual 
installments. In December, 1791, the Legislature of Mary- 
land gave an order for the payment of the $72,000 donated 
by that State. The December before, the same Legislature 
passed an act for providing for the condemnation of land, if 
necessary, for the public buildings. On January 22, 1791, 
the first commissioners, three in number, were appointed to 
superintend the affairs of the city. On January 24 the Presi- 
dent issued a proclamation directing the commissioners to lay 
down the four experimental lines of boundary, as follows : 

First, by running a line from the court-house of Alexan- 
dria, in Virginia, due S W. £ m., and thence a due SE. course 
till it struck Hunting Creek. This was to be the initial 
point, from which the first line was to run due NW. 10 m. ; 
the second into Maryland clue NE. 10 m. ; the third due SE. 
10 m. ; and the fourth due S W. 10 m. to the beginning, on 
Hunting Creek. These were approved by Congress. The 
original act required the location of the District above the 
mouth of the Eastern Branch or Anacostia river. To con- 
form the law to the experimental lines, an amendatory act, 
approved March 3, 1791, repealed the conflicting portion of 
the act of July 16, 1790, but required the public buildings to 
be erected on the Maryland side of the Potomac. After the 
completion of the necessary legislation on the subject, Presi- 
dent Washington set out on a visit to the Potomac. He 
arrived March 28, 1791, and put up at Suter's tavern, a one- 
story frame structure, the favorite resort of travelers arriving 
at Georgetown. On March 29, in company with the three 
commissioners and the surveyors, Andrew Ellicott and Major 
Peter Charles L'Enfant, he rode over the ground. The same 
night a meeting was held for the purpose of effecting a re- 
conciliation with the property owners. There were some 
who desired to derive all the advantages offered by the pro- 
posed city without making a reasonable concession to its 
success. The counsel of Washington had its effect. The 
general terms agreed upon were signed by nineteen of the 
original proprietors. The President issued a proclamation, 
dated March 30, 1791, at Georgetown, which defined the lines 
of the Federal territory accepted by Congress, and ordered 
the commissioners to proceed forthwith to have the lines 
permanently marked. 

The President now left for a brief visit to his home at 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. " 239 

Mount Vernon; thence he proceeded l<> Richmond, Va., to 
consult with Gov. Beverly Randolph respecting the paymentof 
the $120,000 appropriated by the Commonwealth of Virginia 
towards the building of the. Capital. On April 13 lie wrote, 
informing the commissioners that the Governor was willing 
to advance the money at earlier periods than agreed upon. 
On April 12 the commissioners held their first regular meet- 
ing- at Georgetown. On April 15 the initial or corner-stone 
of the lines'of the Federal territory was formally planted in 
the presence of the three commissioners, Andrew Ellicott, 
the surveyor, and the Masons and many citizens of Alexan- 
dria. James Muir, the pastor of that Episcopal parish, deliv- 
ered a sermon. On June 29 a final settlement was effected, 
by which the lands ceded to the Government were conveyed 
ill trust to Thomas Beall, of George, and John M. Gantt, of 
Maryland, or their heirs, for the United States. The streets, 
squares, parcels, and lots w r ere to be laid out, and conveyed 
by the trustees to the United States ; the residue of the land 
was to be divided equally. For their share the United States 
were to pay £25, or $66 66f an a. The streets and squares 
went to the Government free. There were other stipulations 
respecting sales of lands and payment of indebtedness to the 
proprietors. They were also permitted to occupy the lands 
till required for public use. Owing to a disagreement, the 
streets and reservations were never conveyed to the commis- 
sioners. The law officer of the Government and the Supreme 
Court of the United States, however, have decided that the 
United States have absolute control over them notwithstand- 
ing. An act of Maryland, Dec. 19, 1791, ratified the cession 
of its portion of the Federal territory, and designated certain 
powers and duties of the commissioners, who were also au- 
thorized to take possession, in the same proportion as agreed 
with the others, of lots in Hamburg and Carrollsburg. The 
inhabitants of Georgetown, who so" requested, were to be in- 
cluded, provided they conformed to the general terms of 
the agreement, which they declined. 

The laying out of the city according to the plans prepared 
by L'Enfant, which were approved by Washington in Aug., 
1791, was carried out under the direction of Andrew Ellicott, 
a native of Bucks county, Penn., a gentleman of fine attain- 
ments, and who had executed a number of important sur- 
. vs. He was born in 1754, and died at West Point in 1S20. 

The first step was the establishment of the "meridian 
line" through the site of the Capitol, and the E. and W. in- 
tersecting line, which were to form the basis of the execution 
of the entire plan. At a meeting of the commissioners on 
Sept. 8, 1791, certain regulations were prescribed in regard 



240 HISTORY OP WASHINGTON. 

to the erection of private buildings, and the present names of 
the city and District and designation of the streets were 
adopted. The first public sale of lots, of which the Govern- 
ment had 10,136, took place at Georgetown on Oct. 17, 1791. 
A large number of purchasers were present from all parts of 
the country, and the prices paid ranged from $26 66 to $306 59, 
During the summer and autumn of 1791 the commissioners 
also made preparations for the commencement of work early 
in the following spring. Contracts for building material and 
food were awarded, and a freestone quarry on Higgington's 
island, 40 m. below the city, was purchased. 

The President's House was the first of the public buildings 
commenced. An historical sketch of each of the public 
buildings will be found, with their description, in the Hand- 
Book. 

The building of the city, as might be expected, attracted a 
number of that class of persons who, though poor in means, 
were still rich in schemes. Among the earliest was one 
Samuel Blodgett, who appeared on the scene as an applicant for 
permission to build an entire street, which was granted. After 
considerable planning and negotiating, the enterprise was 
abandoned, the commissioners having no funds to spare, and 
Blodgett 's being all in anticipation. Undaunted, however, 
the same person undertook the erection of a great hotel, the 
funds for which were to be raised by lottery, the hotel being 
the first prize. The building was partly erected, and was 
drawn by a person without means to complete it. It re- 
mained unfinished till purchased, years after, by the Govern- 
ment for the Post and Patent Offices. 

In 1793, the commissioners entered into an agreement 
with Robert Morris and James Greenleaf for the sale of 6,000 
lots, at $80 a lot, payable in seven annual installments, with- 
out interest, they obliging themselves to erect, in 1794, and 
annually for six years, twenty brick houses, two stories high. 
The above two and John Nicholson bound themselves to ful- 
fill the contract. The parties failed to comply with any por- 
tion of the contract, which led to the serious embarrassment 
of the commissioners. 

One of the great obstacles in the way of the commission- 
ers in the beginning was the scarcity of skilled workmen. 
Agents were sent to the northern cities, and some importa- 
tions were made from abroad. The slaves from the adjacent 
plantations were almost exclusively employed as laborers. 

In 1796, Congress authorized the commissioners, under 
the direction of the President, to borrow $300,000, and, at 
the same time, assumed a supervision of the affairs of the 
city, requiring the commissioners to report their operations 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 241 

semiannually to the Secretary of the Treasury. Meeting 
with no success in negotiating their loan in Holland, whence 
the first application of the commissioners was made, the As- 
sembly of Maryland came to their rescue by granting them 
a loan of 6100,000. 

The election of John Adams at first excited some solicitude 
on the part of the friends of the Federal city, in considera- 
tion of the opposition to the selection of the Potomac site 
shown by the New England States in the discussion and vote 
in Congress in 1790. The President, however, gave assur- 
ance of "a determination to carry out the views of his prede- 
cessor. 

In 1799, after a long discussion, Congress voted another 
$100,000 to the commissioners, which amount was also ad- 
vanced by the State of Maryland. The next year $50,000 
was obtained from the same source, on the personal security 
of the commissioners. 

In February, 1800, they executed the papers necessary to 
the security of all the loans or advances to the city, both 
from the State of Maryland and the National Government, 
amounting to $300,000,* exclusive of the last loan of $50,000. 
For that purpose they pledged all the property in the city 
sold or contracted for before that time, and upon which pay- 
ments had not been made. The land acquired or purchased 
for the United States and yet unsold, exclusive of lots for- 
feited for non-payment of purchase money and then liable to 
be sold, amounted to 4,682 lots and 2,043 ft. frontage on 
navigable water, valued at $884,750. The debt was $144,125, 
and contracted for on the credit of the above funds of $360,- 
881. The N. wing of the Capitol, the President's House, 
and War and Treasury Offices, the first commenced in 1797, 
were ready for occupation. A number of dwellings had 
been erected by private parties in the vicinity of the Capitol, 
President's House, and Greenleaf's Point. Pennsylvania 
av., the thoroughfare from the Capitol to the President's 
House, was ditched. Other avenues and streets connecting 
the widely-scattered parts of the city were also opened. The 
reservations around the Capitol and President's House were 
planted. A turnpike was also opened to Baltimore. Suita- 
ble provisions having been made by act of Congress dated 
April 24, ^800, the archives of the* Government were con- 
veyed to Washington. The Executive and offices were 
transferred at the same time. On November 21 Congress 
commenced its sessions in the N. wing of the Capitol. Con- 
gress assumed jurisdiction over the District of Columbia in 
1801, and declared that the laws of Virginia and Maryland 
ltt 



242 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

should continue respectively in force in the portions of the 
District ceded by those States. 

In 1802 the Board of Commissioners was abolished and 
succeeded by a superintendent, Thomas Munroe, who was re- 
quired to settle up all accounts, and to seil a sufficient number 
of the lots pledged for the repayment of -the loan of $200,000 
from the State of Maryland, so as to meet all obligations of 
interest and installments. In event of an unwarrantable sac- 
rifice of the property to meet these demands, the sale was to 
cease, and the balance was to be paid out of the Treasury of 
the United States. Lots not paid for were also to be sold to 
meet the loan of $50,000 from the State of Maryland, or, if 
not sufficient, the residue was to be paid out of the Treasury. 

Mayors of Washington. — 1S02, Robert Brent ; 1S12, Daniel 
Rapine ; 1813, James II. Blake ; 1817, Benjamin G. Orr ; 1819, 
Samuel M. Smallwood; 1822, T. Carberry; 1824, Roger C. 
Weightman; 1827, Joseph Gales, jr.; 1830, John P. Van 
Kess; 1834, W. A. Bradley; 1836, Peter Force ; 1840, W. W. 
Seaton ; 1850, Walter Lenox ; 1852, John W. Maury ; 1854, 
John T. Towers; 1856, W. B. Magruder; 1S58, J. G. Ber- 
rett ; 1862, Richard Wallach ; 1868, S. J. Bowen ; 1870, M. G. 
Emery. 

Governors of the District of Columbia. — 1871, Henry D. 
Cooke; 1873, A. R. Shepherd. 

On May 3, 1S02, the municipal government was created by 
Congress, to consist of a mayor and council. Congress re- 
served supreme jurisdiction. The affairs of the county, and 
the construction of roads outside the city, were intrusted to 
a board known as the levy court. On Feb. 21, 1871, the ter- 
ritorial form of government was substituted. 

The most important event in the history of the Capital 
since its foundation was the occupation by the British. The 
President (Madison) and the Cabinet, over-confident of the 
safety of the Capital, or the indisposition of the British, who 
controlled the Chesapeake, to attack, had neglected to make 
suitable provisions for defense. As a consequence, about 
3.500 raw militia, hastily concentrated and badly handled, 
were suddenly called upon to confront the enemy, 4,000 
strong, at Bladensburg, 5 m. from the Capital, on August 
24, 1814. Commodore Barney, with a few hundred sailors 
and marines, and Beall's Maryland militia, made a stubborn 
resistance on the turnpike, but, unsupported by the rest of 
the troops, who had fled almost without a light, fell baek to 
the Capital, proposing to defend that point. From here he 
was ordered to retire and take position behind Georgetown, 
leaving the city entirely defenseless. The American troops 



HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 213 

retreated towards Montgomery Court House, having been 
preceded by the President and Cabinet and other prominent 
officers of the Government. The total force of Americans 
available was 7,000 men, but through mismanagement, the 
incapacity of Gen. Winder, the commander, and the inter- 
ference of the President and Cabinet, especially the Secretary 
of War, not more than half that number reached the field, 
and even then were outnumbered five to one on the points of 
attack. The whole British force which landed on the Pau- 
tuxent numbered 5,123 men, of which 4,500 men took part 
hi the fight . The American loss was 2G killed and 51 wounded, 
and the" British 150 killed and 300 wounded. 

At 8 p. m. on the day of the battle the enemy bivouacked 
on Capitol Hill. The Capitol, Library of Congress, Presi- 
dent's House, Arsenal, Treasury and War offices, Long- 
Bridge, and office of the National Intelligencer newspaper, 
were burned the same night, also some private buildings. 
The Navy Yard and frigate Columbia, on the stocks, and 
Argus, five barges, and two gunboats were destroyed by 
order of the Secretary of the Navy. The explosion of pow- 
der in a well at the arsenal killed 15 and wounded 30 of the 
British. 

On the evening of August 25 the British evacuated the 
Capital. To use the words of one of the British officers, the 
retreat "was as cautious and stealthy and precipitate as was 
natural for a retreating army under such circumstances." 
On the retreat many died of fatigue or were taken prisoners 
by the cavalry harassing the rear. Nearly 200 of the dead 
left by the enemy were buried by the citizens. It was esti- 
mated that his aggregate loss was not less than 1,000 men. 

The enemy reached Benedict on the evening of August 29, 
and re-embarked the next daj 7 . 

The sight of the Capital in flames had aroused the inhab- 
itants of the surrounding country, who were being rallied by 
the Secretary of State, Mi*. Monroe. It was resolved to cut 
off the enemy's retreat to his ships. His haste, however, 
frustrated these patriotic proceedings. 

When the question of the restoration of the public build- 
ings was under discussion, a long and bitter debate ensued, 
evincing not only a strong disposition to abandon the city, 
but a dangerous sectional feeling. For a time the most seri- 
ous consequences were threatened. Calmer counsels, how- 
ever, prevailed, and an appropriation of $500,000 was made 
for the repair or re-erection of the buildings on their old 
sites. The estimated loss was $1,000,000. 

In 1846 that portion of the District lying on the west bank 
of the Potomac was retroceded to Virginia. In 1850 the sale 



244 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON. 

of slaves was prohibited, and on April 16, 1862, slavery was 
abolished in the District. 

During the rebellion, 1861-65, the Capital had every ap- 
pearance of a vast fortress. It was the base of operations of 
mighty armies, called ont for the defense of the Constitution 
and the Union. On the surrounding hills were military 
camps ; in the city were hospitals and stores ; and the ave- 
nues and streets were the daily scene of moving troops and 
trains. 

The infusion of a new r element into the population of the 
Capital was one of the important results of the rebellion of 
ISei-^S. It was not, however, till a decade later that a sys- 
tem of improvements on a grand scale were commenced. In 
that time the number of the inhabitants increased nearly 
fifty thousand. Congress, in the meantime, had dispossessed 
itself of the idea that a National Capital was a political conve- 
nience, instead of necessity . The ideas of Washington, Jeffer- 
son, and L'Enfant, after a sleep of more than three quarters 
of a century, are being realized. The grand avenues, broad 
streets, and beautiful parks are in keeping with the magni- 
ficent:? of the Capitol and the imposing proportions of the 
structures occupied by the various Executive Departments 
of the Government. Elegant residences, fine churches, 
commodious school-houses, and many public and private 
institutions have been erected. It must be admitted that the 
Capital is no longer a reflection upon the taste, culture, and 
liberality of the nation, and the least inviting of American 
cities. At the same rate of improvement, in ten years the 
Capital of the United States will be one of the most beauti- 
ful in the world. These gratifying results are unquestion- 
ably due to the interest and zeal of President Grant, and to 
the energy and courage of Governor Shepherd. 



INDEX. 



Adams, John, painting of, 123. 

Admiral's Office, 140. 

Agriculture, Department of, 156; 
Grounds, 156 ; Plant Houses, 156 : 
Building, 157; Museum. 159; 
History of, 161. 

District of Columbia, 11. 

Committe on, 114. 

Museum of, 159. 

Alexandria, 228; History of, 229; 

Washington's Headqn'rs, 229; 
Christ Church, 229: National 
Cemetery, 229. 

Canal, 214, 229. 

Allegory, Brumidi's, 76. 
Altitude, mean, Washington, 15. 
Amusements, general, xiv. 
Anacostia river. 15, 49. 

Channel, 49. 

Analostan Island, 214. 
Antiquities, European, 191. 
Aqueduct, 217; Distances, 217; Dis- 
tributing Reservoir, 217; Re- 
viving. 217; Cabin John Bridge, 

218 : Falls of the Potomac, 218. 

Georgetown, 214. 

Bridge, 53, 214. 

Architects of the Capitol, 114. 
Area of Washington, 3. 
Arlington House, 215; National Cem- 
etery, 215; Custis's Spring, 216. 

Armory, 196. 

Square, 38. 

Army, Headquarters of, 136. 

Army Medical Museum, 167. 

Arsenal, 172. 

Art, Corcoran Gallery of, 191. 

Associate Justices, list of, 89. 

Asylums— Naval Hospital, 202; Sol- 
diers' and Sailors' Orphans' 
Home, 202; Columbia Hospital 
for Women, and Lying-in, 202; 
Wu-hington, 202; Louise Home, 
203; Providence, General, 203; 
Washington City Orphan, 203; 
Children's Hospital, 204; St. 
John's Hospital, 204; St. Ann's 
Infant. 204; St. Joseph's Male 
Orphan. 201; St. Vincent's Fe- 

C2 



Asylums — 

male Orphan, 204; Epiphany 
Church Home, 204; Home for 
the aged, 205 ; Deaf and Dumb, 
225; Insane, 227. 

Attorneys General, list of, 155. 

Avenues, 24. 

- Description of, 26. 

Improvement of, 25. 

[ Bache. A. D., grave of, 206. 

Baltimore and Potomac Bridge, 53. 
j Baptism of Pocahontas, painting, 74. 
i Basement, House of Reps., 113. 

N. wing, 104. 

Senate, 101. 

j S. wing, 105. 

Battery and electric gas-lighting 
apparatus, 77. 
i Battle Record room, 170. 
j Benning's Bridge, 53. 
I Benton,~bust of, 97. 
Birds, 39. 

Bladensburg, 2'i4: battle-field of, 
224; duelling ground at, 224; 
Calvert mansion, 224. 

Battle of, 241. 

Board of Public Works, 9, 207. 

Boarding, viii. 

Boone in conflict with the Indiana, 
relievo, 70. 

Booth, assassin, 173. 

Botanical Garden, site, 41 ; Grounds, 
41; Conservatories, 42; Botani- 
cal class room, 42; Joint Com- 
mittee on the Library, 42 ; Botan- 
ical collection, 42; Centre Build- 
ing or Rotunda, 43; East range 
and wing, 43; West range and 
wing, 44^ Superintendents, 45; 
History, 45. 

Botany, District of Columbia, 12. 

Boundaries, Di.-triel of Columbia, 6. 

Washington, 4. 

Boundary street, 30, 31. 

Bridges, 52; Long Bridge, 52; Navy 

Yard, 53; Benning's, 53; Balti- 
more and Potomac Railroad, 53; 
Aqueduct. 53; Chain, 53; Penn- 
sylvania :tv„ (Rock creek,) 53, 

15) 



246 



INDEX. 



Bridges— 

214; M-st., 53; P-st., 53; James 

creek canal, 53; Culverts, 53; 

Uniontown,53; Cabin John, 218; 

Mountain Spring. 218. 
Bronze door, main, 67. 
Senate, 90. 

Staircases, 94, 109. 

Brown, General, grave of, 206. 
Cabin John Bridge, 218. 
Cabot, relievo of, 70. 

Canals, 50; Washington, 50; James 
creek, 50; Chesapeake and Ohio, 
213 ; Alexandria, 214, 229. 

Cannon captured, 172, 174. 

Capital, a virgin, 1 

Capitol, 56; Situation, 56; Street 
cars to, 57 ; Site of, 57 ; Ap- 
proaches, 57 ; Grounds, 58 ; Gen- 
eral exterior view of, 58; First 
terrace, 61; Fountain, 61; Sec- 
ond terrace, 01 ; General exte- 
rior description, 62; Dome, 63; 
Statue of Freedom, 64; Porticos, 
65 ; Statuary, 65, 66 ; Main Bronze 
door, 67; Rotunda, 69; Relievos, 
70; Historical paintings, 70; 
Canopy of Rotunda, 76; Ascent 
of the Dome, 77; Battery and 
electric gas-lighting apparatus, 
77; Panoramic view of Wash- 
ington, 77; Library of the United 
States, 79; North winy, 87; N. 
or Senate Extension, 90; Stair- 
cases, 92, 94, 96; Galleries, 97 
Senate Chamber, 99; Basement 
100; Committee rooms, 101 
Heating and ventilating, 103 
114; N. wing basement, 104 
Law Library, 104; Crypt, 104 
Undercroft, 104; National Stat 
uary Hall, 105; S. or House Ex 
tension, 108; Staircases, 109 
Second floor, 112; Galleries, 112 
House of Representatives, 112 
Basement, 113; Com'tee rooms, 
114; Capitol police. 114; Archi- 
tects, 114; History, 114. 

Hill, 15, 57. 

History of, 114. 

Selection of site of, 17. 

Street, E., N., S., 31. 

Cemeteries, Eastern and Western, 

(Holmead,) 205; Congressional, 
205; Arlington, (Military,) 210; 
Rock Creek, 223; Military, (Sol- 
diers' Home,) 223; Glenwood, 
224; Prospect Hill, 224; St. Ma- 
ry's. 224; Mt. Olivet, 226: Grace- 
land, 227; National, (Alexan 
dria,) 229. 

Ceremonies, xiv. 

Chain Bridge, 53. 



Chapultepec, storming of, painting, 

96. 
Chase, grave of. 212. 
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, 213. 

Chief Justices, busts of, 87. 

list of, 89. 

Childrens' Hospital, 204. 

Chronicle, The, 200. 

Church, Christ, Alexandria, 229. 

Rock Creek, 223. 

Churches, list of, xiii. 

Washington, 197. 

Circles, Washington, 39; 14th street, 
39; 13th street, 39; P street, 39. 
City Hall, 171. 
City Spring, 198. 
Claims, U. S. court of, 89. 
Clinton, George, statue of, 107. 

grave of, 205. 

Climate, District of Columbia, 13. 
College, Deaf Mute, 225. 

Georgetown, 213. 

Columbia Hospital for Women, 202. 

Institute, for the deaf and 

dumb. 225. 

Columbian University. 220. 

Columbus, relievo of, 70. 

Commissioners of Washington, 235. 

Committee Rooms — Senate — 101; 
Military Affairs, 102; Naval Af- 
fairs, 102; Indian, 102; Foreign 
Relations, 102; Judiciary, 102; 
Library, 102. 

House, 114; Agriculture, 114. 

Commerce, 50. 

Congress, 120. 

Continental, Presidents of, 119. 

Continental, Sessions of, 119. 

History of, 118. 

Congressional Library, (see Library 
of the U.S..) 79. * 

Connecticut av., 25-27. 

Conservatories, President's, 123. 

Constitution of the U. S., original, 
128. 

Ratification of, 119. 

Convent of the Visitation, 212. 

Copyrights, 86. 

Corcoran Gallery of Art, 189; Stat- 
uary, 191; Bronzes, 191; Anti- 
quities, 191; Paintings, 191. 

Corcoran, W. W., 192. 

Crawford, sculptor, bust of, 107. 

Crypt, the, 104. 

Culverts, 53. 

Deaf and Dumb Asylum, 225. 

Deaf Mute College, 225. 

Declaration of Independence, 148. 

Signing of, painting, 71. 

Defenses of Washington, 232. 

Delaware av., 24, 28. 

Department of State, 128; Treasury, 

131; War, 136; Navy, 140; Inte- 



INDEX 



247 



Department of State — 

rior, 142; Post Office, 151; Jus- 
tice, 154; Agriculture. 156. 

Discovery of America, statue. 08. 

Discovery of the Mississippi River, 
painting, 75. 

Distances to Great Falls Potomac, 
217. 

Tables of, xix, 3. 

i strict of Columbia— Geographical 
situation, 5; Boundaries, 6, 237 ; 
Political Divisions, 7; Govern- 
ment, 7: Finances, 9; Popula- 
tion, 9: Statistics, miscellane- 
ous. 10; Vital Statistics. 10; in- 
dustry and Wealth, 10; Agri- 
culture. 11; Topography, 11; 
Geology, 1 1 ; Botany, 12; Zoolo- 
gy, 12 ; Ornithology, 12; Ichthy- 
ology, 13; Herpetology, 13; 
Climate, 13. 

Government. 207; Governor's 

Office. 207; Hall of the Legisla- 
tive Assembly, 207; Board of 
Public Works," 207; Fire De- 
partment, 207; Metropolitan 
Police, 20S; Jail, 208. 

Document Libraries, 97. 112. 
Dome. Capitol, 63; Ascent of, 77. 
Door, Main, House extension, 109. 
Dow. Lorenzo, grave of, 205. 
Downing, A. J., 39. 

Vase, 178. 

Drive, the. 29. 
Duddingtdn Mansion, 210. 
Duelling Ground, 224. 
Easby's Point, 49. 
Education, Bureau of, 142. 
Electric gas-light apparatus, 77. 
Elevations. Washington, 16. 
Elevator; 95. 

Ellicott, Andrew, runs bounds, 6. 

marks the site of Capitol, 17. 

Embarkation of the Pilgrims, paint- 
ing. 75. 

Embellishments proposed, 17. 

Engineer's Office, 41. 

Environs of Washington — George- 
town. 211; Analostan Island, 
214; Arlington House and Na- 
tional Cemetery, 215; Fort 
Whipple, 216; Aqueduct and 
Falls of the Potomac, 217; Kal- 
orama, 220; Meridian Hill; 220; 
Columltian University, 220; Way- 
land Seminary, 220; Howard 
University, 221; Soldiers' Home, 
221; Grave of L'Enf'ant. 222; 
Rock Creek Church and Ceme- 
tery, 223; National Cemetery, 
223; Glenwood Cemetery, 224; 
Bladenshurg, 224 ; Columbia In- 
stitute for the Deaf and Dumb, 



Environs of Washington— 

and Deaf Mule College, 225; Mt. 
Olivet Cemetery, 220; Grace- 
land Cemetery, 227; Reform 
School, 227: Zoological Society. 
227; Government Hospital for 
the Insane, 227; Alexandria, 
228; Mount Vernon, 230; De- 
fenses of Washington, 232. 

Epiphany Church Home. 204. 

Etiquette, xiv. 

Executive av., 28. 

Buildings, 50. 

Mansion (See Presidt's House,) 

121. 

Offices, 124. 

the, 127. 

Extension of city, 52. 

House, Capitol, 108. 

Senate, 109. 

Farragut Square, 36. 

statute of, proposed, 46. 

Fillmore, portrait of, 123. 
Finances, Distrietof Columbia, 9. 

Washington, 4. 

Fire Department, 207. 
Flags, captured, 137. 
Folding Room, Senate, 101. 
Foote, Fort, 230. 
Foreign Capitals, 5. 
Formalities, xiv. 
Fountains, 48. 
Franklin School. 201. 

Square, 37 

statue of, 92. 

Freedom, statue of, 64. 

Frescos — Rotunda, Canopy, 76; Sen- 
ate Reception Room, 93; Senate 
PostOffiee, 93; Presides Room, 
95; Senate Basement, 101; Ful- 
ton, 101; Committee Rooms, 
Senate. 101; Military Affairs, 102: 
Naval Affairs, 102; Indian, 102; 
Foreign Relations. 102; Judici- 
ary, 102; Library, 102; Western 
Staircase, House, 109; Hall of 
House, 113; Agricultural Com- 
mittee Room. 114. 

Galleries, Senate, 97. 

House, 112. 

Gas, lighting the city, 45. 
General information, vii. 
Genius of America, statuary, 65. 
Geographical location, Wash'n, 2. 

situation, Dist. Columbia. 5. 

Geology, 1 1. 

Georgetown, 211; Oak Hill Ceme- 
tery, 211; High-service Reser- 
voir, 212; Convent of the Visita- 
tion, and Academy, 212; College, 
213; Chesapeake "and Ohio Ca- 
nal, 213; Aqued't,2l4; Wharves, 
214; Commerce, 214; Shad and 



248 



INDEX. 



Georgetown- 
Herring, 214; Rock C'k Bridge. 
214. 

Georgia av., 28. 

Gerry, Elbridge, grave of, 205. 

Giesboro', 230. 

Glenwood Cemetery, 224. 

Government Dist. Columbia, 7, 207. 

Washington, 4. 

Seat of established, 120, 235, 236, 

237. 

spring, 221. 

Government Printing Office. 108; 
Public Printers, 169; History, 
109. 

Governor's Office, 207. 

Governors list of, 241. 

Graceland Cemetery, 227. 

Green, General, statue of, 107. 

Halls— Masonic Temple, 198; Odd- 
Fellows', 198; Lincoln, 199; Wil- 
lards', 199. 

Hamilton, statue of, 107. 

Hancock, John, statue of, 96. 

Harbor, improvement of, 51. 

Potomac river. 48; Harbor, 49; 

Potomac channel, 49; Anacostia 
channel, 49; of Georgetown, 49; 
Main channel, 49. 

Heating and Ventilating Senate, 
103; House, 114; 

Herpetology, 13. 

Historic Relics, 148, 187. 

Historical Paintings — Rotunda, 70; 
Declaration of Independence, 
71 ; Surrender of Burgoyne, 71 ; 
Surrender of Cornwallis, 72; 
Resignation of General Wash- 
ington, 73; Baptism of Poca- 
hontas, 74; Discovery of the 
Mississippi River, 75; Landing 
of Columbus, 75; Embarkation 
of the Pilgrims, 75. 

Historical Retrospect, 55. 

Holmead Cemetery, 205. 

Home for the Aged, 205. 

Home, Soldiers', 221. 

Hospitals, (see Asylums,) 202; 

Hotels, vii. 

House of Representatives, 120; Hall 
of, 112; Speakers of, 121. 

Howard University, 221. 

Hunter, John, portrait, 167. 

Hydrographic Office, 140. 

Ichthyology, 13. 

II Penseroso, statue, 107. 

Indian Office, 142. 

Warrior, bronze, 109. 

Indiana av., 28. 

Initial stone of D. C, 229, 230. 

Insane Asylum, 227. 

Interior Department, 142; Bureaus, 
142; Secretary's Office, 142; In- 



Interior Department — 

dian Office, 142; Bureau of Ed- 
ucation, 142 , Survey of the Ter- 
ritories, 144; Secretaries, 144; 
The Department, 145. (See Pat- 
ent Office.) 

Secretaries, list of, 144. 

Jackson, statue of, 34. 

Jail, 200. 

Jefferson School, 201. 

statues of, 109, 122. 

Jones' Point, 230. 

Judiciary, The, 89. 

Square, 37. 

Justice, Department of, 154; Attor- 
ney General's Office, 154; Por- 
traits, 155; Attorneys General, 
155; The Department, 155; Bu- 
reaus, 155. 

Justice and History, statuary, 91. 

K street, 31. 

Kalorama, 220. 

Kearney, General, statue of, 107. 

Kentucky av., 25, 28. 

Kosciusko, bust of, 107. 

La Salle, relievo, 70. 

Ladies' Retiring Room, Senate, 99; 
House, 112. 

Lafayette Square, 34. 

portrait of, 113. 

Landing of Columbus, painting, 76. 
Landing of the Pilgrims, relievo, 70. 
Latitude, 2. 

Law Library, SO ; Description of, 104. 
Legislative Hall, 207. 
L'Enfant, Plan of Washington, 16 ; 
origin of plan, 19. 

grave of, 222. 

Librarians of the United States, 83 

Libraries, United States, 79; Con 
gressional, (see United States,) 
79 ; Smithsonian, 81 ; Force, 81 
Jefferson, 84; Document, H. R. 
112; Odd Fellows', 199; Young 
Men's Christian Associat'n,199 
Georgetown College, 213. 

Library of the United States, 79 
Library Halls, 79 ; proposed new 
building, 79; Volumes, 80; Com- 
parison of libraries, foreign and 
home, 80; Collection of books, 
80; Smithsonian Library, 81 
Force Library, 81 ; Rules of, 82 
Document Libraries, 82; View 
83; Librarians, 83 ; History, 83 
Jefferson Library, 84; Copy- 
rights, 86; Law Library, 86. 

Lincoln, painting of, 124. 

Assassination of, 166. 

Bust of, 107. 

Square, 38. 

Statue of, 107. 

proposed, 38. 



INDEX. 



149 



Lincoln Hall, 199; Free Reading 
Room. 199; Library. 199. 

Livingston, Statue of, 107. 

Lobbies, Senate, 94 ; House. lOit. 

L o. Icings, vii. 

Long Bridge, 52. 

Longitude, 2. 

Louise Home, 203. 

Louisiana ay., 28. 

Lovel, Surg. General, portrait, 107. 

M-street Bridge, 53. 

Mace, 109, 113. 

Macomb, General, grave of, 200. 

Marls, the. xii. 

Maine av.. 28. 

Mall, the, 19. 

Magazines, 177. 

Marble room, 94. 

Marine barracks, 176. 

Markets, 209; Centre, 209; Eastern, 
209; Western, 209; Northern, 
209. 

Maryland av., 25, 27. 

Masonic Temple, 198. 

Mason's Island, 214. 

Massachusetts av., 25, 27. 

Mayors of Washington, 241. 

Meridian, first U. S., 166. 

Hill, 220. 

Missouri av., 28. 

Monument, Washington Nafc'l, 192. 
Morton, Dr , painting, 167. 
Mount Olivet Cemetery, 226. 
Mount Vernon, 230; the Vault, 230; 

the Mansion, 230; Ladies' As- 

ciation, 231. 

Place, 37. 

Mountain Spring Bridge, 218. 

Museum, Agricultural, 159; Army 
Medical, 167; Ordnance, 170; 
Naval, 174; National, 181;. Cor- 
coran Gallery of Art, 191. 

Nautical Almanac, 141. 

Naval Hospital. 202. 

Observatory, 163; Site, 16::; De- 
scription, 163; Instruments, 164; 
Superintendents, 164; History, 
1G5. 

Navy Department, 149; Secretary's 
office, 140; Admiral's office, 140; 
Hydrographic office, 140; Nau- 
tical Almanac, 141; Secretaries, 
141 ; the Department, 141. 

— - Secretaries, list of, 141, 

Yard. 174; captured cannon, 

174; Buildings, 174; Museum, 
174 ; History, 175. 

Bridge, 53. 

Neale, Archbishop, grave of, 212. 

New Hampshire av., 28. 

New Jersey av., 25, 28. 

New York av., 25, 27. 

Newspaper offices, 199; National 



Newspaper offices — 

Republican. 200; Chronicle, 200; 
Evening Star. 200. 

North Carolina, av., 25, 28. 

Oak Hill Cemetery, 211. 

Observatorv, Naval, 103. 

Octagon, The, 120. 140. 

Odd-Fellows 1 Hall, 198; Library, 199. 

Official Reporters' room, Senate, 
92; House, 109. 

Ohio av., 23. 

Ordnance office. 170; Museum, 170. 

Ornamental gardening, 39. 

Ornithology, 12. 

P-street Bridge, 53. 

Paintings, Historical, Rotunda, 70; 
Perry's Victory on L.Erie, 92; 
Peale's Washington, 94; Storm- 
ing of Chepul tepee, 90; Grand 
Canon of the Yellowstone, 107; 
Gen. Scott, 109; Westward Ho, 
109; John Adams, 123; Van Bu- 
ren, 123; Tvler, 123; Polk. 123; 
Fillmore, 123; Pierce, 123; 
Washington. 124; Lincoln, 124; 
Portraits of Secretaries of War, 
130 ; Portraits of Attorneys Gen- 
eral, 155; Lovel, 167; Hunter, 
107; Morton, 167; Physic, 167; 
Corcoran Gallery, 191 ; Wash- 
ington before Yorktown, 231. 

Parking. 32. 

Parks, (see Reservations and Sq'rs.) 

Patent Office, 145; Description of, 
146; Model Rooms, 147; His- 
toric Relics, 148; Models, 149; 
History, 150. 

Peace, statue, 66. 

Penitentiary, 173. 

Pennsylvania av., 25, 26. 

Penn, W., conference with Indians, 
relievo, 70. 

Perry's Victory on Lake Erie, paint- 
ing, 92- 

Physic, Dr., portrait, 167. 

Pierce, portrait, 123. 

Places of Historical Interest, 210. 

Plan of Washington, 16 ; Origin of, 
19; Execution of, 17. 

Plant Houses, 157. 

Pneumatic Tube, 103. 

Pocahontas saving life of Smith, re- 
lievo, 70. 

Police, Metropolitan, 208; Capitol, 
114. 

Political Divisions D. C, 7. 

Polk, portrait, 123. 

Population, District, 9. 

Washington, 4.^ 

Postage, rates of, xiii. 
Postmasters General, list of, 164. 
Post Office, City, xii, 163. 

Senate, 93. 



250 



INDEX. 



Post Office, General, 151; Descrip- 
tion, 151 ; Postmaster General's 
Office, 153; City Post Office, 153; 
History of building, 153; Post- 
masters General, 154; The De- 
partment t 154. 

Potomac, Falls of, 217, 218. 

the drive to, 217. 

River, 48. 

Presidents, list of, 127. 
President's House, 121 ; Grounds, 

122; Conservatories, 123; Sta- 
bles, 123 ; Description, Exterior, 
123; Interior, 123; History, 125; 
Presidents, 127; The Execu- 
tive, 127. 

President's Room, Capitol, 95. 

Progress of Civil ization, statuary, 66. 

Propogating Garden, 41. 

Prospect Hill Cemetery, 224. 

Providence General Hospital, 203. 

Public Printers, list of, 109. 

Quarters, 30, 32. 

Railroads, viii, 54. 

Raleigh, relievo, 70. 

Rates of Postage, xiii. 

Rawlins Square, 37. 

statue of, proposed, 46. 

Reading Room, Free, 199. 

Reception Room, Senate, 93. 

Refectory, Senate. 92; House, 113. 

Reform School, 227. 

Relievos — Fame and Peace, 66; Co- 
lumbus, Cabot, Raleigh, and La 
Salle, 70; Landing of the Pil- 
grims, 70: Pocahontas saving 
the life of Captain Smith, 70; 
William Penn in conference 
with the Indians, 70; Daniel 
Boone in conflict with the In- 
dians, 70 : Allegories, in oil, 93 ; 
Fidelity, Steam, and Electri- 
city, 153. 

Reporters' Gallery, Senate, 99; 
House, 112. 

Reporters' Rooms. Senate, 97; 
House, 112. 

Representation in Congress, 120. 

Representatives, Hall of, 112; Old 
Hall, 105. 

Speakers of House of, 121. 

Republican, The, 200. 

Reservations, 21. 

Reservoir — see Aqueduct; 217. 

High Service, 212. 

Resignation of Washington, paint- 
. ing, 73. 

Restaurants, viii. 

Retrospect, 20. 

Revolution, allegory, 76. 

Rhode Island av., 28. 

Rock Creek, 15. 

Bridge, 53, 214. 



Rock Creek Church and Cemetery, 
223. 

Rotunda, 69 ; Statuary, 70 ; Relievos, 
70; Historical paintings, 70-75; 
Canopy, 76; Allegory, 76; As- 
cent of the Dome, 77. 

School, Reform, 227. 

Franklin, 201 ; Seaton, 201 ; Wal- 

lach, 201; Jefferson, 201. 

Colored, 201 ; Sumner, 201. 

History of, 201. 

Scott Square, 35. 

Winfield, painting, 109. 

Statue of, 36. 

Seaton School, 201. 

Seminary, Wayland, 220. 

Senate, 120. 

Chamber, 99. 

Presidents of, 120. 

Sergeant-at-Arms, Senate, Room of, 
93 ; House, 109. 

Settlement of America, statue of, 66. 

Sewers, 32; Georgetown, 32; Slash 
Run, 32-34; Intermediate sec- 
tion, 33; B st. intercepting, 33; 
Tiber basin, 33. 

Sherman, Roger, statue of, 107. 

Signal Office, 137; Instrument 
room, 137. 

Sixteenth st., 31. 

Scott Statue, 36. 

Smithsonian Inst'n, 178; Grounds, 
178; Downing Vase, 178; De- 
scription of building, 179; Ob^ 
jects, ISO; National Museum, 181; 
Main Hall, 182 ; Gothic Hall, 183 ; 
West Hall, 184; South Vestibule, 
185: Ethnological Hall, 186; Sec- 
retaries. 187; History, 187. 

Soil, 16. 

Soldiers' Home, 221. 

Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home, 
202. 

South Carolina av., 28. 

Speakers House Representatives, 
120- 

Gallery of, 109. 

Room, 109. 

Squares — Lafayette, 34; Scott, 35; 
Farragut, 36; Sixteenth street, 
(Scott Statue,) 36; Franklin, 37; 
Judiciary, 37; Rawlins, 37; Mt. 
Vernon Place, 37; Circus lot, 38; 
Armory, 38; Lincoln, 38; Stan- 
ton Place, 38. 

St. Ann's Infant Asylum, 204. 

St. John's Hospital, 204. 

St. Joseph's Male Orphan Asylum, 
204. 

St. Vincent's Female Orphan Asy- 
lum, 204. 

Stables, President's, 123. 

Staircases, Senate, E., 92; W., 96; 



INDEX, 



251 



8taircases — 

private, 94; House, E., 109; W., 
10D; private, 109. 

Stanton, grave of, 212. 

Stanton Place. 38. 

Star, The Evening, 200. 

State, Department of, 128 ; Archives, 
128; State, War, and Navy De- 
partment, 12S; Secretaries, 129; 
History, 130; Bureaus, 130. 

Secretaries of, 129. 

State, War, and Navv Department, 
129. 

Statistics, District, 10; Vital, 10; In- 
.ustry and Wealth, 10. 

Washington, 5. 

Statuary — Genius of America, 65; 
Discovery of America, 06 ; First 
Settlem't of America, 66; Peace, 
66 ; War, 66; Progress of Civili- 
zation in the United States, 66; 
Chief Justices, 87; Justice and 
History, 91; Franklin, 92; Han- 
cock, 9*6; Benton, 97; Gen. Green, 
107; Roger Williams, 107; Jona- 
than Trumbull, 107; Roger Sher- 
man, 107; George Clinton, 107; 
Edward Livingston, 107; Rich- 
ard Stockton, 107 ; General Kear- 
ney, 107; General Washington, 
107; Abraham Lincoln, 107; Kos- 
ciusko, 107; Crawford, the Sculp- 
tor, 107; Alexander Hamilton, 
107; Abraham Lincoln, 107; II 
Penseroso, 107; Jefferson, 109; 
Corcoran Gallery, 191. 

Statuary Hall, 105. 

Statues, 46; Greenough's Washing- 
ington, 59; Jefferson, 122; Jack- 
son. 34; Mills's Washington, 39 ; 
Scott, 36; Lincoln, propose ', 
38; Farragut, proposed. 36; Raw- 
lins, proposed, 37; Lincoln, 172. 

Steamers, ix. 

Stockton, statue of, 107. 

Street Cars, ix. 

Street Railways, 54. 

Streets, 30. 

renomenclature, 31. • 

Sub-basement, Senate, 103; House, 
114. 

Sumner School, 201. 

Superintendents Naval Observato- 
ry, 164. 

Supreme Court of the United States, 
87; Chamber, 87; Busts of Chief 
Justices, 87 ; Sessions of, 88; the 
Chamber when occupied by the 
Senate, 88; Chief Justices, 89; 
Associates. 89; The Judiciary, 
89. 

Surratt. Mrs., grave of, 226. 

Surrender of Burgoyne, paint'g, 71. 



Surrender of Cornwallis, painting, 

72. 
Telegraph, 54. 

Offices, xiii. 

Official, Senate, 103; House, 109. 

Press, Senate, 99; House, 112. 

Tennessee av., 25, 28 
Territorial buildings, 207. 
Territories, Survey of the, 144. 
Theatres, xiv. 

Tiber, 16. 

Time, difference of, xix. 

Topography, District, 11. 

Washington, 15. 

Treasury Department, description, 
131 ; Secretary's room, 133; Cash 
room, 133; Vaults, 133; Count- 
ing the currency, 133; Bureaus, 
134; Photograph office, 134; 
Coast Survey, 135; Secretaries, 
135; History, 135. 

Secretaries of the, 135. 

Triangles, 39. 

Trumbull, Jonathan, statue of, 107. 

Tyler, John, portrait, 123. 

Undercroft, The, 104. 

University, Columbian, 220; How- 
ard, 221. 

Uniontown, 230. 

Van Buren, portrait of, 123. 

Van Ness mansion, 210; Ware- 
house, 210. 

Vault or Undercroft, 104. 

Senate, 103; House, 114. 

Vehicles for hire, xii. 
Vermont av., 25, 27. 
Vestibule, Senate, 91 ; House, 109. 
Vice Presidents U. S., list of, 120 
Vice President's room, 94. 

View, panoramic, of Washington, 77. 

Views of Washington, 15. 

Virginia av., 28. 

Wallach School, 201. 

War Department, 136; Secretary's 
office, 130: Gallery of portraits, 
136; Headquarters of the Army, 
136; Flag room, 137; Signal 
office, 137; Instrument room, 
137; the service, 138; Secreta- 
ries, 139; the Department, 139. 

Secretaries of, gallery of, 136. 

Secretaries of, list of, 138. 

Statue of, 66. 

Washington Asylum, 202. 

Defenses of. 232. 

Distances from, xix. 

Fort, 230. 

Washington pity a virgin Capital, 1 
Geographical location, 2; Se 
lection of site, 2; Distances, 3 
Area, 3; Governmental; Finan 
ces, 4; Population, 4; Statistics, 
5; Foreign Capitals, 5. 



252 



INDEX. 



Washington city, History of, 234; 

Commissioners, 235; Mayors, 

241 ; Governors, 241. 

Orphan Asylum, 203. 

Washington, Geo., portraits. Peale's. 

94; Vanderlvn,113; Stuart, 124; 

Peale, 183, 231. 
Washington, Geo., commission of, 

128. 
Washington, Geo., statue of, Green- 

ough, 59; Mills, 39; Houdon's 

copy of, 107 ; early statue pro- 
posed, 18. 

Tomb of, 230. 

Martha, grave of, 230. 

Washington National Monument, 

192; Grounds, 192; Design, 192; 

Description, 195; Lapidarium, 

196 ; History, 196. 
Water supply, 46; Early schemes, 



Water supply — 

47; Aqueduct, 217; Experimen- 
tal surveys, 218. 

Wayland Seminary, 220. 

Westward Ho. 109. 

Wharves, 50. 

Georgetown, 214. 

Whipple, Fort, 216. 

White House-see Prest's House, 121. 

Williams, Roger, statue of, 107. 

Winder's Building, 170. 

Wirt, Win., residence of. 210; grave 
of, 200. 

Wirz, execution of, 173; grave of, 
226. 

Yellowstone, Grand Canon of, paint- 
ing, 107. 

Young Men's Christian Ass'n, 199 

Zoological Society, 227. 

Zoology, District, 12. 



SO VISITOR TO TOE CAPITAL SHOULD I iTHOUT IT. 

The Standard Hand-Book— Revised Annually. 






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trated ftstud- 




A Descriptive and- Historical Hand-Book to 

WASHINGTON and ITS ENVIRONS. 



BY 



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